This was the fourth time in a row that Pakistan and Egypt had lined up for the world junior championship final. Pakistan won the team title in 2004 and 2008, while Egypt equalled the record by wining in 2006 and this year.
“We were technically and physically better than the Egyptians but we lacked in confidence,” Danish told The Express Tribune. “Only a coach can have helped us in this situation because he knows our strengths and weaknesses and only he can tell us how to deal with the pressure in the court. It was the first time that we went without a coach.”
Danish said that the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) had sent manager Irfan Asghar who was very supportive but the squad missed the coach because he can give them the bout of confidence and help in match strategies before hand.
On the other hand Asghar said that it is solely a player’s game in the court and the coach’s job finishes with the training camp.
“It is a best possible result for Pakistan in the team event,” said Asghar. “Egypt were the favourites from day one, therefore Pakistan has done considerably well if we look at that.”
According to Asghar, the players got all the necessary guidance throughout the championship and it was unfair to blame the absence of coach for losing the final against Egypt 2-1. He said that the Egyptians were playing with the gold, silver and bronze medallists of the individual event and were bound to win the team event as well.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 15th, 2010.
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