Sports

Atlas threatens to play abroad

Squash player calls six month ban "injustice."

Express January 21, 2011

KARACHI: Pakistan’s top squash player Aamir Atlas has threatened to leave the country and play abroad if “injustice” continues.

The Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) imposed a six-month ban on Atlas for violating code of conduct and hinted a stricter punishment if he did not change his attitude.

According to the PSF, Atlas, who won a team gold and a silver medal in the individual event of the Asian Games, was found guilty of various offences including misbehaviour with the team coaches. However, Atlas claims that he has never breached any code of conduct.

“I’ve a lot of respect for them and I have good relations with the coaches,” said Atlas.

“I’ve always played for my country and it is really embarrassing to see the federation’s attitude towards a senior player. If the injustice continues, I would leave to play abroad.”

The PSF had earlier stated that the ban could be lifted if Atlas apologises for his behaviour.

“I have not done anything wrong,” said Atlas, nephew of former world champion Jansher Khan, who was recently appointed head coach.

Atlas, who reportedly does not enjoy a healthy relationship with Jansher, also refused to train under him few years back.

“This is only happening to me because of Jansher’s personal grudge against me,” said Atlas.

Sports minister takes notice

Meanwhile, Federal Sports Minister Ijaz Hussain Jakhrani has taken notice of the ongoing rift between the PSF and Atlas.

“I don’t know the reasons for his [Atlas] ban but I would speak to the PSF about it,” said the minister.

“The player has won many laurels for the country and I won’t let any injustice happen to him. There might be a big reason behind his ban.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2011.

COMMENTS (2)

jinkosaurus | 13 years ago | Reply I dont think he has the balls to leave his country.He is a talker but not an achiever. He will probabaly quit soon on his own. He is not a true professional.People have left their country to pursue their dream. David Palmer is an example.Jahanghir trained in England with Hiddy jahan when he emerged on the scene.His brother had just died but he stayed in England to work hard. The new generation of Pakistani players have a problem.They cannot communicate and they feel out of place abroad. There are no leagues or competitive play in Pakistan but these players will stay there and rot out of the PSA tour beause they are only amateurs and not true professionals willing to sacrifice and go through the pain. Jansher and jahangir were had exceptional ability professionalism and worked harder then anyone.Even when they were playing the other top pakistani players could be counted on the fingers.Pakistan has talent but not players who are willing to move out of their parents houses and have a work ethic to get to the top.

Asim+Ali | 13 years ago | Reply Let him play abroad. He should renounce his Pakistani citizenship and get lost. How can such lowly ranked players be allowed to violate discipline? Legends such as Jehangir Khan and Jansher Khan are produced once in decades

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