KARACHI, Nov 13: Pakistan’s top ranked squash player Shahid Zaman on Saturday made it loud and clear that he needed a full-time coach if the nation wanted him to deliver in international competitions.

“I have reached the top 16 due to sheer hard work and without support from the game’s controlling body in the country,” he told Dawn shortly after being knocked out in the first round of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) international squash championship.

Looking dejected after the astonishing defeat Shahid, ranked 16th in the world, said he was based in London for the last four years without any support or assistance from the PSF.

He pointed out that the two former greats Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan were provided full time trainers by the PSF to maintain their top form while he was being meted out step-motherly treatment.

Citing example of Australia, he said that Rodney Martin used to travel with the Aussie players in order to give them valuable tips.

When his attention was drawn to the fact the PSF has deputed Jamshed Gul to look after his (Shahid) and Mansoor Zaman’s training in London since last six month, Shahid said he was just getting a word of advice from him (Jamshed) and not full time coaching.