ISLAMABAD-Former Asian Senior Individual squash champion Aamir Atlas Khan has vowed that he is ready to return home and wants to serve Pakistan squash.

Talking to The Nation on Monday, Amir said his heart was bleeding as he had been watching Pakistani players’ dreadful performances in the PSA events even at home soil. “None of the local lad even makes it to the finals of the previous two prestigious COAS and CNS International $25,000 back-to-back events and it was purely due to Pakistan Squash Federation’s (PSF) poor and biased policies, which led to the downfall of Pakistan squash.”

Dejected Aamir further said: “I am ready to sacrifice my life for Pakistan and I have never ever even thought for a second to quit my country and settle abroad. I have countless offers throughout my career to settle down in the hub of squash playing countries, but like always, I turned down all the lucrative offers and always feel proud to represent green flag.

“Despite facing worst times, bans and step-motherly treatment from the PSF, my heart and soul always remained with Pakistan. It was highly difficult for me to leave Pakistan and stay in USA, but I was left with no other option, as I was very frustrated and seriously thinking about quitting squash,” he added.

Amir said he was very hurt with the rash and step-motherly treatment of the PSF. “I am unable to understand what my crime is? I always helped my country win major titles and win Asian team titles as well as Asian Senior Individual title after a gap of 15 long years, but in return, what the federation had done with me. They made huge promises of showering countless benefits to me, but not a single promise was fulfilled. “When I was flying high and was at world number 14, the PSF imposed ban on me without any reason, which didn’t mean to ban Aamir, but, in fact, spoiling Pakistan squash future. Everyone knows, after that not a single Pakistani could even reach PSA top 30. Only Nasir Iqbal was occupying world number 36 spot and he was also left high and dry by the PSF. Now not a single Pakistani player is even in top 50, who is to blame for that decline, who is responsible for inflicting huge damages on Pakistan squash and local players cause,” he questioned.

Aamir said now he had returned from USA and Danish was also ready to end self-exile and play for Pakistan again. “But we have just one demand that is equal treatment and maximum PSA events and in response, it is my promise that we will not only win titles, but also improve Pakistan’s image in the squash world. I can’t promise to win world title right now, but with due passage of time and proper training, we will achieve feat as well.”

“It is my request to PSF president Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman to give me time for meeting and also involve senior vice president Air Vice Marshal (R) Syed Razi Nawab, devise a strategy, fulfill promises made to me and watch how I climb back to the top. If promises are fulfilled and we are provided proper facilities, training and maximum PSA events, I premise I can help Pakistan regain all the lost titles one after another,” Aamir vowed.