Jahangir unwilling to work under current Pakistan Squash Federation set-up

Legendary squash player Jahangir Khan declines PSF's offer, says cannot work where irrelevant people hold key spots.

KARACHI: Legendary squash player Jahangir Khan has declined the Pakistan Squash Federation’s (PSF) offer, saying that he cannot work under a set-up where irrelevant people hold key posts.

The PSF recently asked the former world number one to work with the federation for the betterment of the game.

Following the offer, another former world champion Jansher Khan, who will not be given any post, announced his support for the PSF but Jahangir decided against it.

“I was offered before Jansher but I declined,” Jahangir told The Express Tribune. “I cannot work under a set-up where officials with no background are at the helm of running squash affairs.”

Jahangir, a record ten-time British Open champion who also has six World Open titles, said he tried to work with the federation several times but failed to give his best.

“I have high regards for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officials but they are not a suitable choice to run the game.”

Jahangir was also highly critical of the way the federation’s officials changed every three years after which a new body had to start from scratch. “Every three years there is a new president and secretary and with no background of the game they find it difficult to manage the affairs.”

The squash legend, who turns 47 today, served as the president of the World Squash Federation (WSF) twice.

“It would be difficult to regain our lost glory in squash given the current circumstances. The authority to run squash affairs should be given to the ones who have served the game in the past.”

‘Asian Games gold not a big feat’

Jahangir, who holds a unique record of 555 consecutive victories that spanned for over five years, felt a gold medal in the Asian Games was not a huge achievement.

“It’s good to win medals but considering our past achievements, it’s not a big feat. The players should not get complacent after the gold.”

He expressed his disappointment at the national players’ current world standings.

Organising tournaments in Kuwait

Jahangir said apart from working with the WSF in an honorary capacity, he is busy with organising tournaments in Kuwait.  He said he was also working with the global body that is pushing for squash to be included in the Olympics.

“We are working for squash’s inclusion and hopefully it will be included in the 2016 event.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2010.