Jahangir Khan hopeful of Pakistan’s squash revival

Legend credits regular tournaments and corporate support for nurturing emerging talent

KARACHI:

Pakistan squash legend Jahangir Khan is optimistic that the country can regain its lost standing in the sport, saying regular international and domestic tournaments help nurture emerging players and improve their competitiveness.

Speaking exclusively to Express News, the former world champion welcomed the continued staging of Professional Squash Association (PSA) and domestic tournaments, saying they were providing valuable opportunities for young players to develop their skills.

“Regular competitions are helping emerging players polish their skills,” Jahangir said, adding that promising talent was emerging in Sindh, particularly Karachi, where players had also improved their national rankings.

He said sustained efforts, coupled with determination and hard work, could help Pakistani players make their mark internationally and restore the country’s former status in world squash.

Jahangir also welcomed Pakistan’s hosting of squash tournaments offering a total prize purse of Rs9.1 million, describing the development as a significant milestone for the sport in the country.

He praised Sindh Squash Association’s president Adnan Asad for his efforts to promote the game, saying attractive prize money was generating greater interest in squash.

Jahangir said the continued organisation of such events would not only support the sport’s development but also help improve Pakistan’s image internationally.

The participation of established foreign players in tournaments held in Pakistan was also boosting the confidence of local competitors and motivating them to improve their performances, he added.

Jahangir further praised McDonald’s Pakistan for supporting sports, particularly squash, and urged other corporate organisations to contribute to the development of the game.

He said sustained investment, regular competition and opportunities for emerging players could help Pakistan produce a new generation of international stars.

Jahangir expressed confidence that continued efforts to promote squash could eventually restore Pakistan’s dominance on the world stage.