ISLAMABAD, Nov 9: Pakistan squash players are confident of reaching the podium in the upcoming Asian Games, start- ing from Friday in Guangzhou.

Aamir Atlas Khan, Farhan Mahboob, Yasir Butt and Danish Atlas are undergoing strenuous training at the Squash Excellence Centre, Pakistan Sports Complex, for the event.

Pakistan has last won its gold in the squash way back in 1998 Asian Games when Zarak Jehan Khan clinched a gold medal in single’s event.

According to Pakistan Sports Board’s records, Mansoor Zaman won a bronze medal in 2006 Asian Games, held in Doha, Qatar, while Mansoor and Shahid Zaman also won silver and bronze respectively in 2002 Asian Games, held in South Korea.

A senior official of the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) told Dawn on Tuesday that players were undergoing training and had better chances of reaching the podium.

“The players are getting training from national coach Faheem Gul and we are quite optimistic that the players will reach the podium in both individual and team events,” he claimed.

Top-ranked national player Aamir Atlas, ranked 20 globally, said, “I will try my best to win a gold medal.” He said they had a better training session under coach Faheem and “are hopeful of a positive show at the Asian Games”.

Farhan Mahboob, ranked 30 in the world, has a justification for Pakistans gold medal, saying: “We can win a gold medal and I am fit. I have featured in several international tournaments and hopefully it will be a good show.” Farhan said Malaysia were likely to give them a tough time.

In the team events, Pakistan has been placed in group ‘A’ along with Kuwait, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and hosts China. Squash events, offering four gold medals, are scheduled to be held from Nov 18.