Mehboob slams PSF for ‘ignoring’ his sons

KARACHI: Former player and coach Mehboob Khan has slammed Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) officials for their indifferent attitude towards his sons who are international squash players.
“Farhan Mehboob won a national event in Faisalabad recently. It was a very important event and the winner is considered national champion, but key officials of PSF did not bother to even congratulate Farhan,” said Mehboob while talking to ‘The News’.
He alleged that PSF secretary Amir Nawaz and senior vice-president Razi Nawab had been ignoring his sons, Farhan, Waqar, and Waqas.
“They are ranked 94th, 287th, and 215th, but they have not been given any support,” said Mehboob. He further said had the Faisalabad event been won by any other player, these officials would have not only reached there to congratulate him but would have also announced cash awards for him.
“I am unable to understand why this is being done to my sons when they have ample squash left in them,” said Mehboob.
He said Farhan was denied representation in Asian Individual Championship recently because he demanded exemption from trials being Pakistan’s No 1. “The lack of support by the PSF is affecting their performances,” he said.
Mehboob added that his sons had been given opportunities in only those international events which were held in Pakistan. “In the last five months, they played only two international events. They will now wait till October to play two international events, which are to be held in the country,” added Mehboob.
They have not been entering their names in any PSA events held outside Pakistan because of no sponsorship from PSF, said Mehboob. “I request to the new president of PSF to intervene and help my sons continue with their squash,” added Mehboob.
When contacted, PSF secretary Amir Nawaz said the doors of PSF were open for his sons and the federation was there to support them. “Farhan was sent to World Open and given wild card in PSA-25 event held last year in Islamabad. So there is no question of ignoring them,” added Amir. He said Waqar and Waqas also had full support of PSF.