Atlas threatens to play abroad
Squash player calls six month ban "injustice."
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 22nd, 2011.
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 22nd, 2011.