Jansher assured all-out support for squash uplift
Former world squash champion Jansher Khan met with Corps Commander Peshawar Cantt Lieutenant General Hidayat ur Rehman at the Corps Headquarters Peshawar Cantt.
Former world squash champion Jansher Khan met with Corps Commander Peshawar Cantt Lieutenant General Hidayat ur Rehman at the Corps Headquarters Peshawar Cantt.
Jansher gave detailed briefing to Corps Commander about the betterment of squash, training of the young players and facilities being provided at the National Junior Squash Academy, which is established in Peshawar and now fully functional.
Appreciating Jansher’s efforts, Hidayat has assured him that the Army Squash Complex, which is being established in Peshawar, will always be available for the training of these young players. “The senior and junior players can get advantage of training under the supervision of such great and legendary champion.”
Jansher thanked Hidayat and said: “I am available for the every possible guidance and international-standard training to our players, so that they may get benefit from it and brighten the name of the country across the globe.”
Later talking to The Nation, Jansher termed Pakistan-Egyptian series in Karachi a landmark occasion and a platform to help Pakistan players to get much-needed international exposure and play against the best in the business. “It will help Pakistan in getting out of international sporting isolation as well. The presence of Egyptians in Pakistan is a clear indication that Pakistan is completely safe for all kinds of sporting activities. The series is not being played in relatively safe and sound-considered federal capital Islamabad, indeed, it will be played at Karachi, which is a great achievement of the federation.”
“Yes, it is true that the Egyptians are most likely to win the series by staging clean sweep against Pakistan players and get away with all the prize money of $40,000 on offer, but it is not all about money, as powerful PSA players, who are among top 20 in the international rankings, are playing at Pakistani soil which is good for Karachi, as a number of upcoming young talented players will get an opportunity to play alongside top ranked players but also give chance to local players and squash fans to witness top national and international players in action in front of them at their own soil,” Jansher added.
When asked about Pakistan team’s chances suffer body blow in the absence of Pakistan No 1 and world number 35 Nasir Iqbal, who is under PSA and WSF radar due to banned substance usage and still awaiting for the B sample outcome, which was conducted in India, Jansher replied: “Off course, Pakistan will miss Nasir as his presence in the team could have boosted Pakistan chances due to his powerful game and skills. Aamir Atlas and Danish Atlas absence will also hurt Pakistan chances of doing well in the event.”
“It doesn’t mean Pakistan team has absolutely zero chances of winning the event or it will be just a formality. Farhan Zaman and Farhan Mehboob can still make huge differences, especially Farhan Mehboob is the dark horse for Pakistan hopes of doing well in the event. Farhan had beaten some of the finest players in the past and is described by many as a complete package. If Farhan Mehboob manages to control his emotions and remains focused on the game, I am sure he can beat any given opponent at any given venue,” he added.
“Farhan Zaman is also a very tough nut to crack, as he has played some wonderful squash in the recent past. He has trained hard in USA, won PSA events there and improved a lot. Shahjahan Khan and Asim Khan can also at least pose some serious challenges to their opponents. We are working on a plan and results will start coming thick and fast in due course of time. People must give some time to the federation and have patience, as I am sure golden days of Pakistan squash will return,” Jansher concluded.
(Source: The Nation)
Jansher gave detailed briefing to Corps Commander about the betterment of squash, training of the young players and facilities being provided at the National Junior Squash Academy, which is established in Peshawar and now fully functional.
Appreciating Jansher’s efforts, Hidayat has assured him that the Army Squash Complex, which is being established in Peshawar, will always be available for the training of these young players. “The senior and junior players can get advantage of training under the supervision of such great and legendary champion.”
Jansher thanked Hidayat and said: “I am available for the every possible guidance and international-standard training to our players, so that they may get benefit from it and brighten the name of the country across the globe.”
Later talking to The Nation, Jansher termed Pakistan-Egyptian series in Karachi a landmark occasion and a platform to help Pakistan players to get much-needed international exposure and play against the best in the business. “It will help Pakistan in getting out of international sporting isolation as well. The presence of Egyptians in Pakistan is a clear indication that Pakistan is completely safe for all kinds of sporting activities. The series is not being played in relatively safe and sound-considered federal capital Islamabad, indeed, it will be played at Karachi, which is a great achievement of the federation.”
“Yes, it is true that the Egyptians are most likely to win the series by staging clean sweep against Pakistan players and get away with all the prize money of $40,000 on offer, but it is not all about money, as powerful PSA players, who are among top 20 in the international rankings, are playing at Pakistani soil which is good for Karachi, as a number of upcoming young talented players will get an opportunity to play alongside top ranked players but also give chance to local players and squash fans to witness top national and international players in action in front of them at their own soil,” Jansher added.
When asked about Pakistan team’s chances suffer body blow in the absence of Pakistan No 1 and world number 35 Nasir Iqbal, who is under PSA and WSF radar due to banned substance usage and still awaiting for the B sample outcome, which was conducted in India, Jansher replied: “Off course, Pakistan will miss Nasir as his presence in the team could have boosted Pakistan chances due to his powerful game and skills. Aamir Atlas and Danish Atlas absence will also hurt Pakistan chances of doing well in the event.”
“It doesn’t mean Pakistan team has absolutely zero chances of winning the event or it will be just a formality. Farhan Zaman and Farhan Mehboob can still make huge differences, especially Farhan Mehboob is the dark horse for Pakistan hopes of doing well in the event. Farhan had beaten some of the finest players in the past and is described by many as a complete package. If Farhan Mehboob manages to control his emotions and remains focused on the game, I am sure he can beat any given opponent at any given venue,” he added.
“Farhan Zaman is also a very tough nut to crack, as he has played some wonderful squash in the recent past. He has trained hard in USA, won PSA events there and improved a lot. Shahjahan Khan and Asim Khan can also at least pose some serious challenges to their opponents. We are working on a plan and results will start coming thick and fast in due course of time. People must give some time to the federation and have patience, as I am sure golden days of Pakistan squash will return,” Jansher concluded.
(Source: The Nation)
