Pakistanis following old methods: Marwan

ISLAMABAD: World No 5 Marwan El Shorbagy of Egypt has exposed the non-professional approach in Pakistan squash that continues to live in the past.

In an interview with ‘The News’ following his straight games win in the second round of Pakistan Open here on Wednesday, the Egyptian said that he was surprised to see Pakistan players playing with the technique that others had discarded 15 years back. “That is the main reason of Pakistan’s lackluster performance aboard. The game has changed dramatically in recent times. Pakistanis are not keeping up with the others in the world,” he said.

The younger brother of world champion Mohamed El Shorbagy said he was surprised to see the organisers allowing Pakistan players to play dull and docile squash. “Gone are the days when this approach would get you titles. Only those players who have the ability to play fast-paced game can survive in the circuit these days. Pakistan must realise this,” he stressed.

Marwan was also critical of the primitive coaching techniques, saying that what he had seen was not the modern way of coaching. “You need coaches who have latest know how about the game. Old techniques with which Pakistanis are being trained will make no difference. You need to adopt the modern way of coaching,” he said.

A big admirer of Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan, Marwan said if the two had been in business today, they would have adopted the modern way of squash. “They were true athletes and physically fit and ready. They could easily have adapted themselves to the fast-paced game,” said the Egyptian.

Marwan said he was eager to visit Pakistan and play here. “Pakistan has a rich tradition of squash. I always wanted to come here and play. When I learnt that Pakistan are to host $50,000 event I readily decided to be part of this Open. My brother had already played in Pakistan and he also wants to tour the country again. Hopefully next year when Pakistan hosts this event with bigger prize money he would come,” said the brother of the world champion.

He said that squash was a masses’ game in Egypt. “That is the reason why we are dominating the world of squash these days. Many Egyptian players can be seen winning events around the world,” he added.