Jansher hopes to restore Pakistan’s glory days

Squash legend proposes establishing academies in Karachi, Peshawar

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan squash legend Jansher Khan has called for establishing academies for young and upcoming squash players in an attempt to restore Pakistan’s status as a formidable force in the game.

Jansher, who won the World Open a record eight times and holds six British Open titles as well, had recently proposed the idea of opening academies during a meeting with newly-elected President of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman.

In an exclusive interview with The Express Tribune, Jansher said that he will train young squash players in the academy to be set up in Peshawar, while the second one will be established in Karachi under the supervision of another Pakistan squash legend, Jahangir Khan.

Jansher, who previously held the post of advisor to the PSF president, invited all the former legends to join hands for improving the game. “We, the former legends, are responsible for the future of this sport,” he said.

The squash great feels that the youngsters lack passion and dedication, two factors that he believes are key to success.

“We used to practice up to six hours a day, but the current young lot lacks passion,” he lamented. “In squash, fitness holds the key and I believe our players are probably utilising only 20 per cent of their potential.”

While thanking the PSF president, the Peshawar-born said that the federation’s main focus should now be on upcoming players, who will represent Pakistan in the future.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2015.

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