LAHORE: Renowned squash player Jahangir Khan has voiced his concerns regarding the future of squash in Pakistan, stating that the country cannot hope to reclaim its former status in the sport without implementing professional management. During a recent ceremony at the Nishtar Sports Complex, Khan emphasized that the principle of placing 'the right man for the right job' is crucial for the sport's revival.
Speaking exclusively to Dawn, Khan pointed out that the decline of squash in Pakistan can be traced back to a lack of professional oversight in its administration. He noted that many countries around the world have seen success in squash because they are managed by professionals who understand the intricacies of the sport. "The main reason behind Pakistan's decline in squash is that professional people are not running its affairs," Khan stated.
At the ceremony, three newly-constructed squash courts were officially handed over to Pakistan Squash Academies by the Sports Board Punjab (SBP). This development comes as a part of a broader initiative to enhance squash facilities in the region, which Khan hopes will inspire a new generation of players.
Khan reflected on Pakistan's storied history in squash, where the nation dominated the international scene for three decades, an achievement unmatched by any other country. "What we did with our sport is unfortunate," he lamented, highlighting the need for a strategic approach to restore that legacy.
As a former champion who won six World Open and ten British Open titles between 1982 and 1991, Khan's insights carry significant weight. He retired in 1993, but his influence in the sport remains strong. He suggested that while the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has played a role in supporting squash, it is essential that all technical aspects be managed by professionals to ensure effective governance.
When asked about the lack of incentives for players, Khan raised a critical question: "Where are the established squash players who should be honoured?" This comment underscores the need for recognition and support for athletes who have contributed to the sport's history.
Regarding the newly built squash courts, which took nearly 34 years to complete, Khan expressed his long-held dream of playing at the complex. "During my playing days, there was no suitable court in Lahore. I thank God that the facility has finally been completed, and I was also able to play a few shots here today to inaugurate one of the courts," he shared, reminiscing about his aspirations.
Khan praised the standard of the new facility, describing it as state-of-the-art and expressing hope that it would provide ample opportunities for young players to hone their skills. He commended the Punjab government and the Punjab Sports Department for their efforts in developing this modern squash complex, which he believes is a significant asset for Lahore and its aspiring athletes.
In his concluding remarks, Khan emphasized the importance of hard work in achieving success in sports, recalling the rigorous training regimen he and his contemporaries followed. "Success does not come through shortcuts. We used to practice for eight hours every day," he stated, reinforcing the idea that talent alone is not enough without dedication.
Meanwhile, SBP director general Tariq Qureshi provided details about the facilities available at the squash complex and mentioned a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Pakistan Squash Academies to further enhance the development of the sport.
As discussions continue about the future of sports facilities in Pakistan, Qureshi addressed concerns regarding the lack of a state-of-the-art gymnasium for volleyball in Lahore, noting that two new volleyball gymnasiums are under construction in Sargodha and Faisalabad. He also acknowledged the need for international sports organizations to consider all major cities in Pakistan when allocating events.
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