A champion’s word: ‘I am ready to play a match for the IDPs of North Waziristan’

Former World Open winner Jansher Khan says entire profit will go towards their welfare.

PESHAWAR: Former Pakistani world squash champion Jansher Khan has expressed his willingness to play an exhibition match for the financial benefit of the displaced families of North Waziristan Agency (NWA). The sporting legend says he is recovering from a long illness and will play again; but only exhibition matches.

Speaking at the Express Forum in Peshawar, Jansher said he has been getting offers for exhibition matches from various countries and will soon decide where to play. In an answer to a question, he said he was ready to play a match for the internally displaced persons (IDP) of NWA, the entire profit of which will go to their welfare.



“My services are entirely at the disposal of the government to help the IDPs,” said Jansher. “Whenever they need me, I am ready.”

Jansher discussed he has started training at the Army Squash Complex, where he is practicing not only to stay fit but also to attract youngsters and restore the standing of squash in Pakistan.

“I feel deep sorrow when I think of how Pakistani players have ruled over squash courts around the world,” said Jansher. “Now there is nobody to win a World Open or British Open for the country. I can never forget when the trophy would be placed in my hands or Jahangir’s and Pakistan would be announced as the winner.”

The former world champion said the country is lacking players who play with a passion. He claimed the Pakistan Squash Federation provides all facilities – more than they did in his time – but there is a lack of hard work on part of the sportsmen. When they focus on their performance, sponsors will automatically be attracted towards players, he added.

Jansher said he is in contact with many international players who want to visit Pakistan and play here, but it is not possible due to the law and order situation in the country. He lauded the achievements of Pakistani players in senior and junior squash championships in Asia, but emphasised achievements at a world level are also essential.

Speaking of his relationship with his fans, the player said people in the country show him the same love as they did when he was playing squash. “I go somewhere and people crowd around me and take my autograph,” he said, adding he still receives the same respect.

Jansher stressed the government must take solid steps for the promotion of sports and players in Pakistan. He said the prime minister should give charge to people who love sports rather than those who will seek their own benefit. Jansher mentioned neither the provincial nor the federal governments had yet approached him for his services. However, he added, Imran Khan had met him and advised him to train players in Pakistan, which is what he has been doing.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 30^th, 2014.