May 25, 2006	Thursday	Rabi-us-Sani 26, 1427

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window)

KARACHI, May 24: The multi-million rupees Jahangir Khan Squash Academy on Kashmir Road would be commissioned early next year.

“Launched six months back work on the project was in full swing and would be completed in another eight to ten months time,” squash great Jahangir Khan told Dawn on Wednesday.

The construction of the project is undertaken on the existing site of formerly Jahangir Khan Squash Complex where he captured his maiden Pakistan Open in 1980 at the age of 16 beating Qamar Zaman in the final.

Built three decade back, it was renamed after the squash legend at a colourful ceremony on April 18, 1989 when he equalled the Geoff Hunt’s record of eight British Open wins at London the same year.

He was given the possession of complex as a part of settlement after he won the legal battle against his employers (PIA) who sacked him in 2001.

“The entire project would cost around Rs100 to 150 million and is financed by two Pakistani businessmen settled abroad besides him,” the 10-time British Open champion said.

He, however, refrained to identify them when asked about their credentials.

Spread over an area of approximately three acres, it would have fully renovated squash courts, separate swimming pools for men and women, fitness centre, indoor games, bowling ally, cafeteria, underground car parking etc. Architect Habib Fida Ali has prepared the design of the project.

Jahangir, the greatest squash player ever, said he has apprised plan of the Academy to Sindh Governor who applauded the idea and assured all help.

“I intend to construct international standard tennis courts if I succeed to get some adjacent piece of land as the entire Kashmir Road belt is meant for sports,” Jahangir who also heads the World Squash Federation said.

“I have a number of foreign investors of Pakistani origin on my back who are willing to create sporting facilities across the country provided they are encouraged by the government,” Jahangir said.

He said with a population of 15 million, Karachi badly needs more sports infra structure in every nook and corner with easy access to the poor youth.