PESHAWAR Double squash gold-medallist at the 11th South Asian Games (SAG) in Dhaka and World No. 19 Aamir Atlas met with the NWFP Sports Minister Syed Aqil Shah here at Olympic Secretariat.
The meeting came after the provincial sport ministry had announced a reception to celebrate Pakistan's gold-medal winning squash team. Syed Aqil Shah on the occasion appreciated Aamir Atlas and Farhan Meboob with other members of Pakistan's team comprising Mansoor Zaman, Farhan Zaman, Coach Fazal Shah and manager of the team former world champion Qamar Zaman for the tremendous effort.
“It is a unique honor, winning two gold medals, in both individual and team event, at an event as competitive as the South Asian Games,” Syed Aqil Shah said of Aamir's feat.
He said a reception would be organized for all the gold medal winners of the South Asian Games on February 27 soon after the return of the both Aamir Atlas and Farhan Meboob from the US Circuit. Federal Minister for Sports Iijaz Hussain Jakhrani would grace the occasion as chief guest, he added.
Shah disclosed that he had held discussion with the NWFP Chief Minister to honour all gold medal winners at the reception in addition to announcing cash incentives for the squash team.
“If Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan are honoring their players why not NWFP,” Shah remarked.
He also extended his heart felt felicitation to the government of Bangladesh for successfully staging the South Asian Games.
According to him, the 11th edition of SAG was by far the most successful event organized in the short history of the Games. He also praised Bangladesh Olympic Association for excellent management of South Asian Games and the warmest hospitality extended to Pakistani athletes and delegates.
Aamir was thankful to the minister for his support and reiterated that he would be working overtime to bring Pakistan squash back in contention on the world stage.
He said playing in the US Circuit would help him and Farhan improve their world rankings. “I have defeated Gregory Gaultier of France in the Qatar Classic few months back, when he was World No 1. I have also defeated World No 2 Nick Mathew in 2008. The wins have given me immense confidence and the tour to the US will definitely be another step in consolidating my game,” said Aamir, the nephew of legendary squash player Jansher Khan.
