KARACHI, July 5: Squash legend and President World Squash Federation (WSF) Jahangir Khan on Thursday blamed lack of passion among younger players as well as political wranglings for the decline of squash in the country.

Addressing a news conference at the inaugural DG Rangers Sindh National Junior Squash on Thursday, Jahangir expressed his disappointment over the lacklustre approach of younger player towards the game.

“Our players are brilliant and talented but lack spirit and dedication,” he said.

“Great hard work, discipline and planning is required to revive the country's squash glory. In the past, most of us used to set stiff targets for ourselves and would work day and night to achieve them,” he recalled.

“But the current lot of players are more focused on monetary gains rather than working on their game and cultivating winning habits,” he noted.

The WSF chief said Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) had not really sought his advice and suggestions on a consistent basis in order to revive the sport.

“PSF has not really sought my advice. We are lacking administratively and professionally and must bring a positive change in our outlooks,” the former world champion said.

Regarding being on the panel of past squash greats for training and coaching of talented youngsters, he assured that he will consider the offer if it comes by. However, he said he was too busy in the WSF activities being head of the 150-nation body.

“When players are not listening to coaches, how can they learn and raise their game. This is a big dilemma of the game,” he pointed out.

Jahangir complimented Sindh Rangers for establishing squash, tennis and swimming facilities in North Nazimabad which he hoped will help the locals to participate in sports activities.

Jahangir disclosed that he is planning to open his own squash academy very soon in order to groom talented youngsters of the country.

The ten times British Open champion said he will shortly launch the project at his sports complex that is under construction at the Kashmir Road in the metropolis.

Jahangir lamented that no Pakistan player inside the top 20 player featured in world rankings which was a major concern for the authorities.—Agencies