ISLAMABAD, Nov 18: President of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir said Monday that the players under its wings needed to work a lot harder and follow the training regimen of former champions Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan in order to make a name for themselves.

“They want to become champions but without making serious efforts,” Mushaf told Dawn at the Air Headquarters after felicitating Jahangir on being elected head of the World Squash Federation (WSF).

Mushaf was referring to players like Mansoor Zaman, Shahid Zaman, Ijaz Azmat and Shamsul Islam who he felt were just not doing enough to help the country fill the gap left by the game’s greats - Jahangir and Jansher.

“Jahangir as a player used to train for hours on end, something which the current crop of players unfortunately does not do. They would prefer to sleep rather than being on court.”

“We have enough money which have received through sponsors and we have started a number of training programmes; there is no comparison between the facilities the federation is providing the players today with what Jahangir and Jansher used to have in their playing days.”

Pakistan squash has gone through a difficult period following the retirement in 1999 of Jansher, who dominated the sport as did Jahangir, winner of a record 10 British Open titles. Things today are so depressing that there is currently no Pakistani among the top 20.

“We want the players to work hard and if they do I am certain that we can produce a world-beater. The players should capitalise on the facilities that are being provided to them.”

Mushaf’s comments come just weeks after the senior vice president of PSF, Air Marshal Syed Qaiser Hussain in an interview with Dawn had warned that the federation would withdraw its support of Mansoor and Shahid if they did not get their act together. Mansoor and Shahid, who are both cousins are ranked No 21 and 28 in the world respectively.

Mushaf also pointed a finger at the provincial associations who he said were not strong enough to produce talented players who could then be groomed by the federation. “For reasons I do not want to mention, the associations are not doing what is required of them,” he said, in an obvious reference to the politics prevalent within the regional bodies.

Earlier, Mushaf termed Jahangir’s election as the president of the WSF a great achievement. “We are proud of you and will provide you all the support you need.”

The PSF had also been generous in its support of Jahangir in the run up to the October elections held in Kuala Lumpur. “I knew that he had the ingredients of becoming the president, so we made a combined strategy and funded his various trips abroad so that he could lobby for himself.”

“He has done a lot for squash and we are happy for him and expect that he now represents Pakistan well, although being a president of WSF is not an easy assignment.”

“I want that during Jahangir’s tenure, Pakistan becomes a hub for squash activity and we organise more international tournaments which will be good for our boys.”

“Jahangir’s election also means that we will not have to beg for WSF help any more.”

On the occasion, Mushaf announced that Jahangir would cease to be the vice president of PSF and instead act as an advisor to him on squash affairs. “Being the president of WSF and a vice president of PSF does not match, so he will not have the portfolio of a VP in the national federation.”