Squash: Atlas says sorry to the federation

Atlas is hoping to bring back Pakistan’s glory days in the British Open. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: Pakistan’s top-ranked squash player Aamir Atlas Khan has written an apology letter to the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) as he seeks to overturn his two-year ban.

In the 39th AGM of the federation, squash’s new chief and PSF President Tariq Rafiq Butt had told senior officials that he will not have any problem in revoking Atlas and Yasir Butt’s ban if an apology is produced.

“I have written the letter and now my fate is in their hands,” Atlas told The Express Tribune. Atlas has slipped to 34th in the world rankings as he prepares for the British Open for which the Pakistani needs to qualify due to his slump.

“The British Open is one of the biggest tournaments and I haven’t been able to do well there. But this time my aim is to go all the way. I have trained hard keeping in mind the demands of the event and hopefully that will help me in tough matches.”

Atlas also lauded Pakistan’s efforts in defending their Asian team title despite having a young squad and termed the title a timely reminder to those who say that squash was dying in Pakistan.

“Pakistan’s head coach Jamshed Gul is one of the finest coaches in the world right now as he knows modern day coaching. Although the players played outstandingly, Gul was key to the  Asian team title.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 8^th, 2012.