Jansher urges solid measures to save squash

LAHORE: Former World champion Jansher Khan has urged the authorities to take concrete steps and solid measures to secure the future of the squash in the country otherwise Pakistan squash will become defunct.

Jansher, while talking to ‘The News’ on Monday, suggested that only way to the top is hard work- both at the junior and senior level- besides establishing squash academies. “It is the only solution for bringing improvement in the game at the highest level,” he added.

Former World Open Squash champion, Jansher emphasised that Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) should raise voice at international court of justice for the reason that Indian lobby is working against the interest of Pakistan squash at the international level.

Jansher pointed out that in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Indian lobby has been continuously manipulating that Pakistan should not be allowed to hold international tournaments

Jansher who ruled the world squash for 10 years said that holding that price money tournaments have advantages only for the international players and has no long lasting benefits for Pakistan players.

Similarly Indian lobby in PSA has been successful to grab Indian open tournament for men. Jansher, who also is four-time super series record holder, further insisted that PSF should include experienced players like Farhan Mehoob in the 19th Senior Asian Team Championship and in Commonwealth Games.

“In my view the presence of such experienced player can be very productive for the team to demonstrate good performance.”He said that PSF should consult Farhan Mehboob to come to the rescue of the sport at this worsening situation. “I believe the only source of income for the Pakistan players is their participation in professional events. PSF plays a parental role in the life of a player so the federation should accept the fair and appropriate demands of Farhan Mehboob.”

Jansher also suggested that the president and senior vice president of PSF should review performance of acting officials of Pakistan National Squash Academy (PNSA) because the players residing in the academy have complained about the unhygienic conditions there, causing different diseases. In his concluding remarks Jansher said that Pakistan is the only country filled with young talent. PSF should extract top class talent for further grooming.