ISLAMABAD: Former world number one Jansher Khan has said that Pakistan’s next line of youngsters is highly talented and the day is not far away when the country will once again shine in game of squash.
“It is heartening to note that we’ve a large number of youngsters in our squash academies now. The way they are showing interest in squash and being trained, I’m sure we will reclaim our status in squash in next two to three years”, he told APP.
“I’ve been consistently stating that talent-wise our players are far superior to other squash playing nations but when it comes to fitness they lag behind. But the steps taken by incumbent President of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) Air Chief Marshall Sohail Aman Khan have given our squash a new direction,” said Jansher, who is also advisor to the PSF President.
He said that Pakistan players were being provided world class facilities. “Squash academies have been set up in different cities of the country. I’m also assisting Pakistan Air Force Academy in Peshawar, where around 32 youngsters of different age groups are being groomed.
“I see our youngsters with effective style. I also note them working hard to improve their fitness as well as the game. These are the things which can take you to the heights once again,” said Jansher, who won World Open title for record consecutive eight years besides winning British Open for six years and Super Series for four times.
To a question he said that though Farhan Zaman and Farhan Mehboob’s performance had been good in the recent past Pakistan players would have to perform at coveted squash events like World Open and British Open. “Our focus should not be just on Asian events. We had been world’s top squash nation and we’ve to reach to that level once again,” he said.
