— ‘Pakistan has all the ingredients to become a formidable side in squash’
Holding of the Independence Day Cup has annulled all wrong perceptions about Pakistan and the tour of World XI team would open up doors for more international sporting events in the country. Talking to APP, Adviser to Pakistan Squash Federation President Jansher Khan congratulated Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Punjab chief minister, officials of the security forces and all those who had role for the successful holding of Independence Day Cup.
He said that it was vital to send a message to the world through such an event and it had also negated all wrong perceptions of the people regarding Pakistan. He said that Pakistan was a peaceful country, adding that Pakistan had matchless services in the world of sports and deserved to be part of all international sporting events. Jansher said that the days were not so far when Pakistan would hold more international sporting events and provide an opportunity to the youth to see top players in action.
He said that holding of this Independence Cup helped in highlighting a softer image of Pakistan to the rest of the world. He also congratulated Pakistani players for their success in the Tennis Davis Cup. He also appreciated Pakistan Tennis Federation President Salim Saifullah for his efforts in bringing international tennis to Pakistan. He said that efforts were afoot for the holding international squash events as well to give a chance to the upcoming to players to upgrade their ranking while playing in the international events back home.
He said that PSF President Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman boldly took the decision of holding international squash events in Pakistan and all credit goes to him and all the events during 2017 were held successfully. Jansher Khan, who ruled the world for 10 long years and remained unbeaten in 99 international matches, said that PSF has already chalked out a plan to hold more international events in the days to come in order to help players improve their international ranking.
Jansher urged upon the players to utilise these opportunities to help Pakistan regain its lost glory in the world of squash. He said, “International events would provide a source for the players to achieve a place in the top international ranking.” He also appreciated the Professional Squash Association (PSA) for trusting Pakistan in providing opportunities to host international events on a regular basis. “It would certainly open up new horizons for the upcoming players, helping them in bringing forth their talents and skills,” Jansher said.
Both the junior and senior players of Pakistan will benefit from conducting big tournaments like ‘Pakistan Open.’. Jansher further said that it is good omen that PFS president spared some time from his work and took interest in the survival and betterment of squash in Pakistan. “Skill-wise our players are unparalleled but their physical fitness levels are yet to touch the international standard,” Jansher opined. Pakistan had all the ingredients to become a formidable nation in squash once again, he concluded.
