ISLAMABAD - Former four-time world squash champion Geoff Hunt has said Pakistan capable enough to host big-money squash events after successful conduct of the Serena Hotels Chief of Air Staff (CAS) International Squash Championship in a befitting manner.
In an interview with The Nation just before his departure after staying in Pakistan for almost a week, Geoff said: “Pakistan is very safe for all kinds of sporting activities and I am very grateful to the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) for their hospitality and excellent facilities. The security was more than satisfactory and the entire event was conducted in a tremendous fashion.”
He said: “I believe Pakistan will soon get bigger amount PSA events, that will be good for local players and also for international squash. If provided with international standard facilities, Pakistani players are good enough to beat any given opponent. Every player has his own style, technique and versatility. I will not be surprised if anyone of these can break into top 10 in the PSA rankings, but I will be very surprised if they match the achievements of Jahanghir or Jansher. I don’t want to take anything away from these players, but it is my personal thinking.”
“As my pupil Abdullah also comes in that category, he is also a very good player and capable of moving into top 10 in PSA rankings. He has some minor issues, which will be resolved to help him a much better player,” he added.
“I like the way young Abbas Shoukat plays, as he is technically not sound, but cover it with agility and his excellent reading of the game. He can become a better player, if he is provided with coaching and given much-needed international exposure. I also like Aamir Atlas while Fahan Mehboob is also very special player, as he has a great hand and style and I love the way he plays so delicately. Other players are also good, but they need further training and exposure. My advice to the federation is to invest more on players, chalk out a comprehensive training programme and try to provide players with maximum numbers of PSA events. Without moving in PSA rankings, it will not be possible for local players to perform against top professionals,” Geoff asserted.
“During our days, squash was known as gentlemen’s game but now players use to lose control and their on court behavior is also questionable. They need to change their behavior and try to remain cool and calm which will help them a great deal in becoming more successful,” he stated.
When asked about reasons behind past greats like Pakistan, Australia and England are on decline and squash is getting popularity and progressing in Egypt, Malaysia and India, Hunt replied: “Now focus has changed in Australia, as earlier they used to hire good coaches, work on long term plans and result was quite imminent, but now players are not coming from commoners, and only wealthy persons are taking interest in squash in Australia. I am supporting a Pakistani-origin lad based in Australia namely Suleman Razi without charging him a penny. I am helping him because he has passion and love for the game. He is currently junior number 3 in Australia and can soon move in top players ranking at senior level if he continues to focus, take game seriously and work more hard.”
To a query, Geoff said: “I am committed with Qatar and there are a few other assignments back home, so I cannot accept coaching offer from any country. But I would love to come to Pakistan with players or as individual whenever championships will be held here. I would love to come again and again, as I like the people, I was given tremendous respect, love and I feel comfortable here. It is a beautiful place to visit, and it is my message to world squash bodies to allocate Pakistan more high money tournaments, as they are capable enough to do so in a befitting way.”