JEDDAH, 24 December 2005 — Players in today’s world want to achieve targets by choosing shortcuts, which is not possible, said Jahangir Khan, former champion and president of World Squash Federation, yesterday.

Jahangir was in the Kingdom to attend the international squash championship held in Dammam.

Talking to Arab News, Jahangir, who has won the British Open 10 times said: “It is unfortunate that Pakistan, a country that ruled the world in squash, has lost its grip of the game. Talent is not the only source of winning. A player cannot achieve his goals unless he works hard. Body strength and hard work are main factors in winning.”

Responding to a question, he said, “Facilities are being provided to the players and they are not taking advantage of this opportunity. No shortcut in this game.”

“We practiced for about eight to nine hours daily and always concentrated on our physical fitness,” said Jahangir, adding that today a player hardly does two hours of exercise and wants to achieve everything.

Pointing out the causes of Pakistan’s losing grip, he said, “Unfortunately the squash affairs are being run by the people who have no knowledge of the game. Players don’t respect their coaches, that has also led to their fall.”

Being the president of the World Squash Federation, my responsibility is to promote the game and bring Pakistan back on winning track.

He admitted that the present level of the game is a little bit down from its past glory.

Jahangir said that the federation is trying its best to keep squash in Olympic roster, but that it is not an easy task as the rules of International Olympic Committee (IOC) are very tight. Squash has come second place in the IOC’s list of most probable games to be included in near future.

Jahangir said he plans to open a squash academy of international standards in Karachi to train the new generation of Pakistanis. It will be first of its kind. All facilities will be provided to newcomers, including a recreation center.

“I personally submitted recommendations to the Pakistan Squash Federation on so many occasions, but not positive result is coming out. Being a player and coach, I am ready to serve Pakistan,” said Jahangir.

If Pakistan wants its lost empire back, it must seek the help of squash players rather than men who have no knowledge.