‘Changes in policies for juniors needed’

KARACHI: A former national player says there is need for vital changes in the policies for junior squash in Pakistan on the pattern of US squash.

Usama Khan told ‘The News’ it is high time for the policy makers to make vital changes to polices to produce some good talent. “US squash authorities made key changes recently to their policy for juniors, and we should replicate them here,” he said.

The US squash chiefs have planned changes to junior squash policies based on extensive feedback from players and stakeholders as well as in-depth analysis of participation data.

And one of the key areas this change will affect is process/qualification criteria improvements that, along with the rankings changes, are designed to ensure that players are competing at a level appropriate for their skill and age.

Usama said this suggestion is very important for Pakistan. “They should ensure that players compete at a level appropriate for their skill and age,” he added.

He lauded Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) for implementing standard age testing procedure for juniors. “Now they need to focus on competition level. And for that they do not need to send players to Egypt for training,” said Usama. He said the PAF Academy in Peshawar, PSF Academy in Islamabad, and Jahangir Khan Academy in Karachi should be given the task to create best competition levels for juniors.

A WSF qualified tutor seconded this proposal of change in policies for junior players. “The federation should in the first place pay appropriate packages to qualified coaches in Pakistan,” said Khalid Atlas.

“A coach plays very important role in a player’s life, therefore, best qualified coaches should be hired for juniors,” he added.