'It's quite unfortunate that the country, which ruled the game for decades in the past, has no player even in the top 20 now,' Jansher said. — File Photo

ISLAMABAD Former player Jansher Khan sees a bleak future for squash in the country unless the Pakistan Squash Federation utilises services of former greats.

'It's quite unfortunate that the country, which ruled the game for decades in the past, has no player even in the top 20 now,' Jansher said on Saturday.

'But it does not mean that there is scarcity of talent. I am confident that the guys we have at present can be as great as we were in the past. But what they lack is proper coaching, guidance and provision of facilities,' he added.

Referring to Egypt, he said that they had four to five players in top seedings and that was mainly because they were taking advantage from the services of their former players.

'We are fortunate enough to have the likes of Jahangir Khan, Qamar Zaman, Mohibullah and Gogi Alauddin, who are internationally regarded as squash legends. They have a very rich history, but unfortunately their services are not being utilised,' he said.

To a question Jansher said he was also ready to disseminate his skills to youngsters.

'I have been made several offers from other countries to train their boys, but so far I have rejected all these. I want to serve my own country and wish to see it at the same height where it was in the past,' he added.

Jansher, who won the World Open for a record eight times and the British Open for six times, said he would be a proud man if someone in the country excelled in the game due to his guidance.

'Squash gave me respect and it hurts when I see Pakistan squash on the decline,' he said.
He advised the squash federation to seek guidance from any player of its choice if it did not want his (Jansher's) services.

He noted Pakistan was the only country which produced seven world champions and there could be many more if the affairs of the game were handed over to professionals.

Jansher said his nine-year-old son, Ali Sher Khan, had great talent and interest for the game and would be a true professional in the future.—APP