KARACHI, Oct 12: The International Olympic Committee has acknowledged the services of Pakistan’s squash legend Jahangir Khan towards the sport by awarding him an IOC diploma.

“It’s a great honor for Pakistan and for me that the IOC has conferred this diploma of ‘Development and Friendship of Sport’ on me,” Jahangir told SADA Friday.

Former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch wrote a letter of appreciation besides awarding the diploma to Jahangir who won a world record of ten British Open titles during his illustrious career.

“The IOC is pleased to announce that you are chosen as one of the diploma recipients as an acknowledgment of your services to the game of squash,” the letter said.

The IOC is celebrating the “International Year of Volunteer” and this diploma is given in connection with the sporting festivities of the year.

Khan, now a vice president of the World Squash Federation, left for Melbourne Friday afternoon to attend the annual general meeting of the WSF.

“Besides attending the World Team Championship I will attend the annual general meeting of the WSF which will discuss future tournaments and this year’s World Open in India,” he said. India hosts the World Open in Mumbai in December this year.

The WSF wants full assurance that all Pakistani players will get Indian visas easily because in the recent past Pakistani players have not been able to obtain these thus failing to compete in some events held in India, he said. — SADA News