LAHORE, Aug 30: Former champion Jansher Khan stunned the world of squash on Thursday by announcing his comeback to the international arena which he said will be launched at the PSA London Open, scheduled to commence from Oct 11.

Addressing a crowded press conference here, the eight-time world and six-time British Open champion said: “I want to be involved in squash again by playing as well as coaching and I did not take this decision for money. Money doesn’t matter to me anymore.”

Speaking about his current fitness level, Jansher said, “I am fit and training for three hours every day. I am still confident and haven’t lost the will to win which is why I don’t see any reason not to return to the game at the age of 38.”

“The PSA made me a good offer, registering me again while offering me a wild card and paying me extra for appearance alone besides providing some coaching during the competition,” he disclosed.

This is Jansher’s second comeback during a rather eventful career. He first announced his retirement about 10 years ago due to a nagging back injury. However, after a three-year gap, the lanky player changed his decision to appear in a couple of home tournaments in 2002. But it proved short-lived and he stopped playing the same year citing knee problems.

Elaborating on his second comeback plans here on Thursday, Jansher said he would continue to play in selected tournaments if his stint in London proved successful. “I got many offers in the past from USA and other European countries to play matches against former champions but I did not accept them,” he said. “But this offer proved to be so attractive, it forced me to change my mind.”

The legendary player said he was proud of the fact that the Egyptian government had established an academy in his name recently and said he hoped to visit the academy five times a year to conduct coaching classes there.

“I also want to coach Pakistani players but as the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) is not interested in the services of the great players here, I would rather involve myself with the game in other countries,” added Jansher.