ISLAMABAD - Former world squash champion Jahangir Khan has said that Pakistani players have potential to excel at international level but they just lack mental and physical toughness and prefer shortcuts to hard work.
Talking exclusively to The Nation, living legend Jahangir said: “I have not been in the courts since long for training purposes or competitive action, but just for the sake of the country and share passion of this beautiful game, I just did it and played squash for consecutive four hours with Nasir Iqbal and Farhan Zaman separately.
“I believe both these players are technically very sound, posses champions material and very good readers of the game, but I feel, both are mentally very weak and need to work very hard on their fitness levels, both mentally and physically,” he added.
Jahangir said: “I used to play for long hours and practice very hard. I can guarantee, if they continue with the same training methods, work hard, remained focused on their training and not waste their time in unwanted activities; they can excel at the top and win laurels for the country. One thing is quite clear, there are no shortcuts for long time success.
“Both Nasir and Farhan are blessed ones as they have been getting a huge financial and technical support from Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF). The PSF is playing its role quite effectively, now it is the players’ turn to pay back. During our times, we never had such luxuries. We had to train for long hours alone, unlike of these young players, who had an army of coaches, free tickets to participate in the PSA events and TA/DAs. We had to shoulder lime share of expense at our own,” he added.
“I spent last few days with Nasir and Farhan in the training courts and found them quality stuff. They had already witness success at smaller level and had trained for low-profile events and got what they had desired. They were dreaming about top 50 in the world and they had achieved it. Now they want to excel further and break into the elite group of players. For that purpose, they must have to train keeping in mind what they have to face in the top half of the players.
“I have given both the players tips and played physically with them. Now it is up to them and coaching staff to carry on with the good work and ensure they must continue with the training schedule. If these players ignore training methods and waste their time in joyrides and parties, they can’t break into top 30 or beyond. I offered my services in the past and I am ready to serve Pakistan squash in future too,” he added.
“Beside Nasir and Farhan Zaman, I have also recommended junior players like Israr Ahmed, Mehran Javed and Aoun Abbas to the PSF which must work on them and provide them international exposure. They are more than capable of producing desired results. The federation must keep a close check on these brilliant youngsters and other emerging players as they are future of Pakistan squash. The coaches must work very hard with the players.
“One thing players and coaches must understand that playing practice matches and training under coaches is a different thing while playing in competitive matches and handling the pressure is entirely different matter. One or few days training under top coaches or players can’t guarantee long-term success, so to achieve long-term goals; the players as well as the PSF must work very hard. I urge the players to remain completely focused on improving their skills and forget about wasting their time on the off-the-field activities if they want to become champions of the game,” Jahangir Khan concluded.