ISLAMABAD - Former world number 2 squash player and recipient of ‘Pride of Performance Award’ Mohibullah Khan is ready to serve Pakistan squash and provide world champions, just like he did in the past.
Talking to The Nation, Mohibullah, coach and brother of former world squash champion Jansher Khan, said: “Being the mentor of Jansher, coach of present starts Farhan Mehboob, Aamir Atlas, Nasir Iqbal and lots of other kids, it hurts watching Pakistan is nowhere in top 10 in the PSA rankings and not a single Pakistani player managed to win a major title for the last two decades. I have been working as Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) director coaches at Peshawar center for the last nine years and regularly providing the deserving players rackets, kits, shoes, balls and all the related stuff free of cost and also monthly stipends to deserving kids. Thanks mainly to all out support of the PSB Director General and all the concerned staff, who gave me free hand, provided me whatever I had requested for the betterment of the players.”
Mohib said: “I started training of U-11, U-13, U-15 and U-17 kids at the PSB academy in 2006 and due to my professional dedication and the players hard work and keen interest, I had managed to produce a lot of players at junior level. A number of my pupils are playing at the top level, such as Farhan Mehboob and Aamir Atlas, who reached among top 15 in the PSA world rankings. I know the job of producing world class player is not an easy task, but let me assure all that it is difficult but not impossible. We have talented players and if provided with top level coaching and latest facilities, these players can earn laurels for the country.”
“After Jansher, I had put my all knowledge and experience in Farhan brothers, Atlas brothers, Nasir Iqbal, Maria Toor Pakai and a number of other individuals, who managed to create ripples in squash and took a lot of titles. I could have earned millions of rupees by coaching abroad but I preferred to stay home and work for the country without getting a single penny benefit, just because of sheer love for my country and squash. Being former world number 2 and finalist of British Open and World Open in 1976, I always feel it was my responsibility to pay back in the best possible fashion to my country, which gave me so name, fame and identity at world level. Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) can take advantage from my vast unmatched experience. If the federation consults me, I am always willing to help Pakistan squash in the best possible manner,” he added.
“I know a lot of things changed since our time, but with sheer commitment, passion, hard work, nothing is impossible. I have hunt a few brilliant individuals, who can answer to all woes and bring back past glory days back. For this purpose, I request the PSF, PSB, IPC Ministry and government to allocate sufficient amount of funds. My services and doors are always open for Pakistan squash.
The day is not so far, when we will regain our lost squash glory, but for this, we have to work very hard and with honesty setting aside our personal egos,” Mohib concluded.