Don’t take squash away from Pakistan: Jahangir
Legend opposes federation’s neutral-venue plans.
KARACHI:
Pakistan Squash Federation’s (PSF) reported plans of hosting tournaments out of the country will hamper the progress of the game that is already in its decline, according to Jahangir Khan.
The PSF, according to reports, is planning to hold its major tournaments in the UAE for which a MoU has already been signed between both federations. The PSF says that the move is aimed to give an increased exposure to Pakistan players in major international tournaments and will help improve their world rankings.
Don’t follow PCB’s footsteps: Jahangir
However, Jahangir felt that the initiative will not help Pakistan in promoting the game.
“It’s not wise to look at neutral venues,” he said. “Look what happened to our cricket after we opted to go for neutral venues. The board has failed to attract countries to play in Pakistan because they’ve provided them the other option. The PSF must not follow their footsteps but try and convince players to tour Pakistan.
“The situation will improve gradually and foreign players will start touring.”
The Professional Squash Association (PSA) has not allotted Pakistan any ranking tournaments. Meanwhile, the PSF is planning to hold a PSA event within the next three months after launching the Roshan Khan Open Junior Squash Championship, which started in Karachi today, that features players from India and Canada.
‘Look out for youngsters’
Jahangir added that young players will not be able to benefit from international events if they are hosted abroad.
“Young players learn from watching live high-profile action. It’s a huge motivating factor for them to see big names in action on the courts they use.
“There won’t be any interest left in the coming generation if this plan is implemented.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 25th, 2012.
Pakistan Squash Federation’s (PSF) reported plans of hosting tournaments out of the country will hamper the progress of the game that is already in its decline, according to Jahangir Khan.
The PSF, according to reports, is planning to hold its major tournaments in the UAE for which a MoU has already been signed between both federations. The PSF says that the move is aimed to give an increased exposure to Pakistan players in major international tournaments and will help improve their world rankings.
Don’t follow PCB’s footsteps: Jahangir
However, Jahangir felt that the initiative will not help Pakistan in promoting the game.
“It’s not wise to look at neutral venues,” he said. “Look what happened to our cricket after we opted to go for neutral venues. The board has failed to attract countries to play in Pakistan because they’ve provided them the other option. The PSF must not follow their footsteps but try and convince players to tour Pakistan.
“The situation will improve gradually and foreign players will start touring.”
The Professional Squash Association (PSA) has not allotted Pakistan any ranking tournaments. Meanwhile, the PSF is planning to hold a PSA event within the next three months after launching the Roshan Khan Open Junior Squash Championship, which started in Karachi today, that features players from India and Canada.
‘Look out for youngsters’
Jahangir added that young players will not be able to benefit from international events if they are hosted abroad.
“Young players learn from watching live high-profile action. It’s a huge motivating factor for them to see big names in action on the courts they use.
“There won’t be any interest left in the coming generation if this plan is implemented.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 25th, 2012.