KARACHI, May 7: Former Pakistani squash legend Jahangir Khan, fresh from winning a lifetime achievement award, expressed hope on Saturday that his country can regain its lost glory in the sport. “I dedicate the lifetime award conferred on me to my country because I believe that it will motivate the youth and administrators to revive our lost glory in squash,” Jahangir said from London.

Jahangir, who with compatriot Jansher Khan dominated international squash in the 1980s and 1990s, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural world squash awards in London on Friday night.

Jahangir, 41, and now president of the World Squash Federation, received his award from Peter Nicol, Britain’s first world number one and an organiser of the awards.

“It’s a pity that we have not been producing world champions but I have not lost hopes.

“Pakistan will produce another world champion in the next few years,” said Jahangir, who won six world and a record ten British open titles.

His first world title in 1981 opened a five-and-a-half-year undefeated period that lasted more than 500 matches.

Current world number one Thierry Lincou of France received the male player of the year award. Englishman James Willstrop was chosen the young male player, while Vanessa Atkinson of the Netherlands was named female player of the year.

Nicol David of Malaysia was given the young female player of the year award.

Jahangir said last week that the World Squash Federation is pushing for the game to be included in the 2012 Olympics.—AFP