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KARACHI: Former world champion and President of World Squash Federation (WSF) Jahanagir Khan believed that national squash should run by professionals to regain its past glory.
“Without changing the structure of and mindset of the peoples at the realm of affairs of the game, nothing can be changed,” he told reporters at PN Roshan Khan/Jahangir Khan Squash to unveil the details of Parco National Junior Squash Championship on Wednesday.
“I really feel sorry for the state of affairs in Pakistan Squash Federation and they way its is being run,” he commented.
“Without evolving the proper and fair system in national squash and without taking concrete steps all level in the game nothing can be improved,” he said.
“There is a big downfall in squash in Pakistan and a big gap in seniors and juniors squash internationally,” he said.
Without taking revolutionary steps nothing will change in squash in Pakistan,” he added.
He said Pakistan use to dominate in senior and junior levels in the past. “Look at Egypt they won six of eight titles at stake in British Open Junior squash. Where we standing,” he said.
Jahangir Khan, who won the World Open for a record 8-time and British Open for ten-time said there was on dearth of talent in Pakistan. But basic thing to groom them on scientific lines.
He said it was difficult under those who don't know. “Jansher Khan joining hands with PSF will make no difference,” he pointed.
Jahangir Khan said several top players including Qamar Zaman Khan are part of PSF but it failed to bring any change for the squash in the country,” he said.
Responding to a match-fixing controversy, Jahangir Khan said he once offered 1-100 to loss a match.
“I was dominating squash for five-and-half years at one time and could have easily indulged in such activities. But my conscience did not accept it,” he recalled.
Commenting on his role of bringing international squash back to Pakistan, he said it was duty of PSF to convince foreign players to visit Pakistan and feature in a smaller international event.
He praised the contribution of Pakistan Navy in promotion and development of squash and said he and himself late father Roshan Khan played most of their squash at fleet club.
