Jahangir Khan lauds revival of international squash in Pakistan

Legend hopes to bring matches, foreign players to Lahore, Karachi after Islamabad

KARACHI: Pakistan squash legend Jahangir Khan believes the return of international matches to the country is great step forward towards the development game for the young aspirants.

Jahangir spoke to Express News during the opening ceremony of the Pakistan Rangers Sindh Squash Championship, where he said that the organisation of international events in Islamabad, for now, was great.

“Revival of international squash in Pakistan after a decade is great,” he said. “The successful organisation of the men’s and women’s international squash competitions has sent a positive message about Pakistan to the sport’s community.”

Jahangir then praised Pakistan Squash Association (PSA) for their role in bringing international matches and players to the country.

“Participation of well-known international players in events in Pakistan was a great step forward for the sport in the country. The role of PSA has been great in this regard,” he added.

The 54-year-old Jahangir, considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of squash, believes international matches in the country will help develop interest in the youth of the country.

“The revival of squash after nearly a decade will help the development of the game in the country for youngsters who want to take up the sport as a profession. This will help Pakistan squash reclaim the limelight they had lost,” said Jahangir.

‘Trying to get more matches for Pakistan’

The exodus of international sports from the country started after the attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009, with most players and countries complaining about security and refusing to visit Pakistan.

However, successful organisation of different sporting events, including cricket, tennis and squash has set Pakistan on the revival course, and Jahangir hopes he will be able to get as many matches as possible for Pakistan in 2018.

“I am trying that PSA gets as many international events as possible in the upcoming calendar year, and I am quite hopeful in this matter,” he said.

With cricket’s international events happening in Lahore, and other sports teams visiting Islamabad, cities like Karachi have been seen complaining, but Jahangir says he is planning events for all cities.

“I will try my best to bring international squash and foreign players to the cities of Karachi and Lahore too, and not only to Islamabad,” he concluded.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh Squash Championship is hosting nearly 80 male and female players this year and will continue till December 30.

The winning pool for this year’s event mounts up to Rs2.1 million.

Meanwhile, men’s winner Farhan Mehboob and women’s champion Samar Anjum withdrew from defending their titles this year