“During my time squash was not even part of Asian or Commonwealth Games. Considering the dominance of Jansher Khan and I in the 80s and 90s, it goes without saying that Pakistan would have bagged a plethora of medals through us at these games.” -File photo

KARACHI: The World Squash Federation in association with the Professional Squash Association has announced the launch of a campaign to ensure the inclusion of the sport in 2020 Olympics.

World Squash Day is set to take place on Oct 20 this year and the aim is to promote the bid for Olympic recognition of the sport. In this context events will take place all around the world with one firm message “Back the Bid”.

Former world champion and arguably the greatest player of all time, Jahangir Khan is confident that the sport would finally make its way in 2020 Olympics.

Jahangir, who is the emeritus president of WSF, claimed that the world body has been making strenuous efforts in this regard.

“We were disappointed when the sport was not included in the 2012 Olympics, especially since the sporting extravaganza is taking place in London. However I’m very positive about a favorable decision in 2020,” said the former champion.

Speaking to Dawn News, the ten times British Open champion added that an Olympic gold is a cherished dream of all athletes and squash players have a right to take a shot at the biggest prize of them all.

“During my time squash was not even part of Asian or Commonwealth Games. Considering the dominance of Jansher Khan and I in the 80s and 90s, it goes without saying that Pakistan would have bagged a plethora of medals through us at these games,” said Jahangir.

“And yes, the ultimate prize would have been an Olympic gold.”

Despite the plummeting standard of squash in Pakistan, the maestro felt that there was enough talent at the junior level that could make rapid strides in the years ahead.

But Jahangir said the national federation and the players needed to target the 2020 Games by chalking out a proper plan.

“The upcoming players at the junior level have eight years to target for Olympic glory. They can achieve their dream by training hard and keeping their aim high. If you have a burning ambition and desire, absolutely anything can be achieved,” he concluded.