September 11, 2002	Wednesday	Rajab 3, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Sept 10: Former world champion Jansher Khan has been granted a wild card for next month’s $25,000 CAS Open Squash Championship in Peshawar as he prepares to make his international comeback.

Jansher, who retired in 1998 after winning virtually everything the game had to offer, told Dawn that the Pakistan Squash Federation’s Senior Vice President, Air Marshal Syed Qaiser Hussain had agreed to give him the wild card.

“I spoke to Air Marshal Qaiser today on this subject and he said he has no objection to my competing in the championship on a wild card.”

But Jansher was refused the wild card for this month’s CNS Championship in Karachi that precedes the CAS tournament by the PSF, who told him he had to appear in the trials to be eligible.

Jansher immediately rejected the idea saying it would be humiliating for him if he did so.

After that refusal by the PSF Jansher reportedly made attempts for a wild card for this December’s World Open in Belgium.

However, Jansher said that on the advice of his doctor Meesaq Rizvi, he would now be competing in smaller international tournaments at home before playing in the bigger events abroad.

“I will be appearing in the qualifiers for the CNS tournament and will then take part in the CAS Championship, which should prove to be a good launching pad for me.”

“I am in good physical condition and by the Grace of Allah am confident of winning both the tournaments.”

Jansher said that he trains nearly five hours each day which is making him stronger.

“I have the potential of making a successful comeback.”