Squash: Aamir fit in time for Asian title bid

Pakistan top seed to face Iraq’s Al Sady in championship opener.

KARACHI: Pakistan received a major boost in their hopes of landing an Asian title at home with ace squash player Aamir Atlas Khan having recovered in time ahead of the Senior Asian Individual Championship to be held in Islamabad from May 1.

Aamir’s prospects of returning back to full form were looking bleak after he aggravated an adductor injury during the DHA International Squash Championship in Karachi and had to withdraw from his final match against Nasir Iqbal.

However, a detailed check up with specialists and strengthening sessions on his muscles have helped him recover from the injury, and he is now playing in full swing at the national training camp under the supervision of head coach Jamshed Gul.

“I’m feeling much better and I’m glad to be in form right before an important event,” Aamir told The Express Tribune. “Initially, people thought that I wouldn’t be able to recover in due time, but I believed it could happen with proper rest and training. Now I’m moving well within the court and will only get better in a week’s time.”

The former world number 14 said he was not just looking to participate in the event but had a clear goal of winning the Asian title. Aamir urged his compatriots to give their best as well as he believed someone from Pakistan needs to win the title given the home advantage.

Aamir is the top seed for Pakistan and is drawn to face Iraq’s Husham al Sady in the opening round, while Nasir Iqbal, seeded seventh, will take on China’s Wang Junjie. Ninth-seed Farhan Zaman is pitted against Iran’s Navid Malek Sabet while Danish Atlas Khan, seeded 10th, will be up against Iran’s Erfan Jamshidi.

Former world number 16 Farhan Mehboob, as the 11th seed in the event, will play Iran’s Alireza Sanaei, while 14th-seed Ali Bukhari will take on Sri Lanka’s WL Wickramasinghe.

Gul pleased with Aamir’s return

Pakistan head coach was delighted to have Aamir in the squad.

“It’s always good to have an important senior player back and Aamir has a proven track record. His presence matters a lot in the event for out title hopes,” said Gul.

Meanwhile, he also revealed that Pakistan’s top women’s player Maria Toor Pakay will take part in the event and will join the training camp for the final two days.

Four Pakistani players are seeded in the women’s event including Maria, seeded sixth, Rushna Mehboob, seeded 10th, Zoya Khalid as 11th and Saima Shoukat as 12th. They have all received first-round byes.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2013.