KARACHI, Nov 5: Pakistan’s future depends on the hard work put in by the players and all those involved, coach Rehmat Khan said Monday.

“Pakistan’s squash future would depend on the hard work put in by the players and all others who are involved with the sport.

“I am convinced that good times are ahead. The Pakistan Squash Federation is determined to restore Pakistan to its standing among the top-ranking countries in the sport,” said Rehmat, who coaches the junior players.

Once a force to reckon with, Pakistan is currently lagging behind with none of its players in the top 25 international slots. Pakistan finished a poor eleventh in the World Team Squash Championship recently held in Melbourne, Australia.

“This is a very good period for squash in Pakistan as the federation is doing everything possible to revive the game. It is up to the players to work hard and restore Pakistan to its former position,” Rehmat said.

Rehmat coached Pakistan’s legendary player Jahangir Khan during the 1980s and guided him to a world record of ten British Open and six World Open titles.

“Currently I am training some 11 junior players and we are working very hard to groom them for international squash,” he said. Rehmat was hired by the PSF for a period of one year.

“Pakistani players have talent but talent alone can’t win you titles, for that you need to work very hard and I am trying to make these junior players realize this,” he said.

Rehmat said he was disappointed with Pakistan’s eleventh finish in the World Team Championship.

“I don’t know how they trained for the championship but they should have finished better,” he said.

Rehmat said Shahid Zaman was playing well but needed to work on his fitness. — SADA