PSF seeks apology from Atlas

Secretary assures squash players' ban can be reversed if he changes behaviour.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) has sought an unconditional apology from Aamir Atlas in order to lift the ban on the country’s top player.

Atlas, who won two gold medals at the Asian Games, was handed a six-month ban for violating the federation’s code of conduct on various occasions as well as misbehaving with coaches and officials.

However, PSF Secretary Irfan Asghar said that Atlas can be given another chance if he offers an apology to the federation for his behaviour. “If Aamir apologises and assures us that he will change his attitude then his ban can be reversed,” Asghar told The Express Tribune. “Although Aamir is our top player but nobody is above the game.”

Asghar also said the decision to ban the player was taken for the betterment of the game. “Discipline comes first and since the PSF is taking measures to revive the game, action against Atlas is part of it.”

The secretary also ruled out Atlas’ claims that the player’s uncle and chief coach Jansher Khan prompted the ban against him. “The PSF has been monitoring Atlas for months now and despite repeated warnings he failed to change his attitude so we were forced to take action.”

Atlas nominated for award

Meanwhile, Atlas has been nominated by the Professional Squash Association for the world’s young player of the year award in 2010. The Peshawar-based player has been pitted against Egypt’s Mohamed El Shorbagy and Karim Abdel Gawad for the award.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st,  2011.