Atlas vows to play with renewed energy

Pakistan number one squash player Aamir Atlas goes back on his words to play abroad after meeting sports minister.

Following a meeting with the Federal Sports Minister Ijaz Hussain Jakhrani, Pakistan number one squash player Aamir Atlas has gone back on his words to play abroad. Atlas protested against a six-month ban imposed on him by the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) and threatened to leave the country to play elsewhere.

However, the sports minister met the player in Islamabad to hear his grievances and convinced him to reverse his decision. Jakhrani has also assured the player of the removal of his ban after contacting the PSF officials.

According to an official, Jakhrani also stressed the importance of discipline and asked the player to follow the federation’s guidelines strictly in future.

Atlas said he would be careful and avoid any disciplinary breach.

“I will follow all disciplinary rules in future,” said Atlas. “I would play with renewed zeal and win more laurels for my country.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2011.