ISLAMABAD - Former Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) head coach Jamshed Gul Khan met with federation president Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt at Air Headquarters on Thursday.
The highly placed sources have confirmed this scribe that one-on-one meeting was held between the two, which continued for more than 40 minutes. The sources further confirmed PSF chief gave ample time to Jamshed and listened to his genuine complaints and assured him another meeting would soon take place. The PSF president asked Jamshed to submit detailed plans for the uplift of Pakistan squash in general and players in particular.
Talking to The Nation, Jamshed said: “I am highly obliged and honored that the PSF president not only spared his precious time but also listened to each and every ground reality. It was a much-needed meeting as I wanted to inform him about the actual facts and reasons behind the entire controversy. I was really upset, as the treatment rendered to me by the federation was by no means acceptable for a coach, whose records speak itself.
“I am quite confident with the vision and wisdom of the PSF president, Pakistan squash will climb back to same old glory days and we will rule the squash world,” he said.
When asked about whether he would be ready to accept coaching role once again if offered, Jamshed replied: “I had rejected much high-price offers from abroad just for sheer love and passion for my country. I had served in a number of countries and my results in each and every place speak volumes about my caliber. But for me, my country is above all and I would certainly love to accept the coaching offer once again as I want to see my country regain its lost squash glory.”
“I believe it is the coach, who should be given all the powers as far as team, players and results are concerned, while the federation should focus on making future plans and facilitating the players,” he said.
“I put everything in the players and I am very glad they responded well. I just need complete and unconditional backing to promote squash well. If I get free hand, it will help me focus on my job and I will prepare them well for the mega event helping the country win laurels at international level,” he added.
“I will file complete suggestions report with the PSF chief and then will decide about my future assignment,” Jamshed concluded.
When this scribe contacted PSF secretary Group Captain Amir Nawaz to confirm about the meeting between Jamshed and the PSF chief, he said: “Yes, I was told to arrange a meeting with Jamshed with the president, which I duly did. But I don't know what happened during the meeting, as I was not present there.”