ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday took a well-weighed step towards regaining its lost supremacy in squash as promising Nasir Iqbal clinched the President’s Gold Cup International Squash Championship defeating Todd Harrity of the US in straight games here at the Mushaf Squash Complex.

The final of the PSA M25 event turned to be a lopsided affair as Nasir took only 27 minutes to outclass third-seeded Harrity in straight games with the Bannu-born dominating from the beginning which helped him win the first game convincingly 11-7.

Fourth-seeded Nasir consolidated his grip by keeping the world No. 61 under pressure in the second game which saw powerful strokes as well as slow drop shots from Nasir who outplayed his American opponent 11-8 in the game.

The third game saw a rather more aggressive Nasir whose efforts finally paid off with the Pakistan player finishing the game 11-5 to clinch the biggest title of his career — a much awaited step towards regaining the lost glory in squash .

It was the first victory by any Pakistan player after the revival of international events in the country which saw the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) organise the Chief of Air Staff International Tournament last year—won by Egypt’s Omar Abdel Meguid—besides the CAS International Squash Championship held this year— which was clinched by another Egyptian Mohmed Abouelghar.

Talking to reporters after winning the title, Nasir said that his win will help boost squash in Pakistan.“It is a big achievement,” said the talented Nasir, adding: “The victory will improve my world ranking apart from giving boost to squash in the country.”

Young Nasir said that this time he was very optimistic from the start of the championship about his victory in the final. “I trained vigorously to win the championship,” said the jubilant player who credited legendary Jahangir Khan for his victory in the final.

Stating that the squash icon gave him useful tips for his semi-final and final, the young player said: “The guidance and tips of Jahangir played important role in my victory.”

On the occasion, he requested the PSF to finance him for participating in maximum number of international events. “I’m planning to visit Egypt to play matches with tough players,” remarked Nasir who further said that after winning this title he would focus on the World Open.

On the other hand, the other finalist Harrity while speaking to reporters said that his rival was extremely agile in the court. “Nasir played well by moving quickly but I faced problem as the court was slippery which created problems for me unlike my opponent who is used to playing on this court,” said the American who also praised Pakistan’s hospitality and other arrangements made for the event.

“I enjoyed here very much and didn’t find anything wrong here,” he maintained.

President Mamnoon Hussain who was the chief guest gave away trophies to the players in the awards ceremony where apart from Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Inter-Provincial Coordination Minister Riaz Hussain Pirzada, former world champions Jahangir Khan, Qamar Zaman, Jansher Khan and Mohibullah were also present.

On the occasion, the president said that the government was committed to promoting and encouraging a healthy culture of sports across the country.

He stated that Pakistan had reigned supreme in squash for many years adding that the unprecedented ascendancy owed much to the excellent performances of the Pakistani players.

The president noted that the President of Pakistan Gold Cup International Squash Tournament was last held in 1990 emphasizing that its revival in 2015 reflects Pakistan’s desire to regain its squash supremacy.

Talking to Dawn, squash legend Qamar Zaman appreciated Nasir for throwing up a prolific performance. He said that Pakistan players had a lot of talent but they were faced with fitness problems.

“Skills are important but for winning big matches you should have an excellent level of fitness. But unfortunately the current lot of players is not focusing on their fitness,” Qamar maintained.

He urged all players “to do at least four-hour practice daily, if they want to regain the lost glory in squash.”

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2015