LAHORE, Aug 6: Former national badminton champion, Azeem Wasti has said Pakistani players could regain past glory in the game, provided they were given a competitive programme both at home and international levels. Azeem, the oldest badminton player of Pakistan was speaking at a cash award ceremony to honour national champion Wajid Ali for winning the 8th Ameer Abdullah Khan Rokhri tournament in Lahore.

Azeem, who with his cousin Musaddaq Wasti remained the doubles champion from 1963 to 65 and also represented the country against Sri Lanka in Thomas Cup tie in 1966 said that the standard of the game had been deteriorating in the country.

However, he added, now, the Pakistan Badminton Federation (PBF)was making good efforts and providing international and domestic activities to the players.

He said that such activities should increase and the government should also encourage the federation.

He recalled that Pakistan had played the final of Asia Zone Thomas Cup in late 50s when players like Shamshad, Irshad, Nazir Rajput and Masood Khan had to face the challenge of the world top ranking players.

He said that best coaches should be prepared to coach the promising players in order to achieve the past status of the country at international level. He said Liaqat Ali, the coach of Wajid Ali and No.2 Omer Zeeshan was one of the best coaches.

Wajid gave full credit to his coach Liaqat for his No 1 position in national ranking. He received a cheque of Rs 15,000 and his coach of Rs 10,000 from the sponsors.