CATCH them young. Going by the saying, the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF)-Jahangir Khan (JK) Academy has embarked on a long-term programme not only to groom young boys and girls of Sindh and Balochistan but to create a reservoir of players to meet international challenge.

From physical training to extensive match practice, the budding players look ambitious to go extra mile and revive the glorious past by winning laurels globally, a visit to facility at the Pakistan Sports Board Coaching Centre reveals.

Formally inaugurated by the PSF senior vice-president Syed Razi Nawab on June 17, 2012, the academy has been nurturing players under panel of coaches on the guidelines of squash legend Jahangir Khan. The talent hunt programme at the premises was launched in 2015.

Earlier, the talent hunt programme used to take place at the PN Roshan Khan-Jahangir Khan Squash Complex in the city.

The academy has ample space. Presently, it had four courts – two glass wall and as many normal besides one old facility. The normal and old court needs upgradation.

“Feasibility is being worked out to upgrade the courts, establish a modern gymnasium and a cafeteria by bringing sponsorship,” Jahangir, who was flanked by the Sindh Squash Association (SSA) secretary and a former squash player Rashid Ahmed, said.

The former squash supremo, who is a source of inspiration for the young generation, visits the academy on a regular basis to tell finer points of the game to the youth.

He is strict disciplinarian and never compromises on principles. Citing his own example he advises players to aim high and prove their mettle in seniors.

“The country’s top junior, Mehran Javed, who had represented Pakistan at the junior British Open last year and was part of the team that won gold medal at the junior world championship at Poland last year, is a product of the academy,” Jahangir proudly says.

Mehran and another academy player Mansoor Zaman are representing the country in the Asian Junior Squash Championship at Hong Kong.

Expressing satisfaction, he said Talha Alam is top ranked in the national under-15 while Saad Abdullah is No 3 in under-17. Both the players are from the academy.

To a question, Jahangir said an amount of approximately Rs300,000 is spent per month on remuneration of four coaches, stipends of Rs5,000 apiece to the selected players, travelling allowance, sports gear etc.

The cost of sports gear has gone high and a racquet costs between Rs10,000 to Rs15,000 while a ball costs Rs200.

The 10-time former British Open champion plans to get at least one US $ 25,000 PSA international event in the city this year.

Former player Maqbool Shah, who heads a panel of coaches, has strong credentials under his belt. He is younger brother of Mohibullah senior and maternal nephew of great Hashim Khan.

The other three coaches include M. Naseem, Naveed Alam (Navy) and Bilal Khan (Sindh Rangers).

The PSF has deputed Flight Lt Ibrahim Waris who regularly sends reports to the secretary.

After extensive open trials, the academy has picked following players for three-months. Their performance will be reviewed on completion of the period and if found satisfactory, their contracts will be extended. The players who do not come up to the mark will be relieved and the places that fall vacant will be filled by new faces.

Men: Noman Khan (Karachi), boys under-19: Saad Abdullah, Owais Rasheed (Karachi), boys under-17: Talha Alam (Karachi), Naved Rehman (Karachi), boys under-15: Syed Hasnain (Balochistan), Shafay Yar Khan (Karachi), boys under-13: Huraira Zafar (Karachi), Ameer Ali (Karachi).

Girls under-19: Maria Saleem (Karachi), Ilsa Imran (Karachi).

Published in Dawn February 6th, 2017