SQUASH: RETURN TO GLORY?
For those ruing the decline of squash in Pakistan, the year 2018 turned out to be an eventful one. After a long time, a large number of world-class players were seen in action in different cities of the country at Professional Squash Association (PSA) events.
The Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) and its affiliated units, particularly the Sindh Squash Association (SSA), deserve accolades for staging no less than 11 PSA competitions in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, with millions of dollars in prize money to help revive the glorious past of the game.
According to PSF officials, Pakistan achieved a milestone by organising the highest number of PSA events (11) in a year across Asia. In doing so, Pakistan also achieved the honour of playing host for most PSA events in the world after the US (28), Canada (21), Australia (14) and England (12). The total amount of prize money offered by Pakistan in the 11 PSA tours was $229,500 (approximately Rs32m), more than half of which — $127,500 — was contributed by Sindh.
Thanks to the lovers of the game and icons such as Jahangir Khan, squash is pulling itself up by its bootstraps in Pakistan
The hosting of events, particularly in Karachi, was made possible through the personal interest of squash maestro Jahangir Khan who wants to motivate the youth in order to revive yesteryear glory.
Karachi has remained a major hub of international squash activities for long. Before the coming up of the PN Roshan Khan-Jahangir Khan Squash Complex in 1991 and the Asif Nawaz Squash Complex at DA Creek Club in 1993, it was the PIA Squash Complex which remained at the forefront of all squash activities here. A number of legendary players had the honour of playing there in PIA Masters and the Pakistan Open, among other competitions. Pakistan also had the honour of hosting the World Open at the PIA Squash Complex in 1984. In 1993, the World Open and the World Team Championships were also held at the Asif Nawaz Squash Complex in 1993. Pakistan once hosted the World Team Championships, too, at Islamabad in 2005.
It is worth mentioning that in 1993 the two JKs — Jahangir and Jansher — were riding on the crest of a wave as Pakistan had swept both the individual and team titles before a home crowd. Jansher clinched the world individual title inflicting a 14-15, 15-9, 15-5, 15-5 defeat on Jahangir in an all-Pakistan final. The world event had also marked the end of a glorious era for the 10-time former British Open champion, Jahangir.
Unfortunately, Pakistan suffered heavily in sports after 9/11 due to the refusal of foreign players, and teams’ refusal to come here due to security concerns. But concerted efforts by the PSF, the personal rapport of Jahangir Khan, the able support of the security agencies and the role played by sponsors has made it possible to once again see a new dawn for the game, which is as dear to Pakistanis as cricket and hockey.