Jahangir Khan Urges Squash Federation to Take Concrete Steps to Revive Pakistan’s Glory

KARACHI: Pakistani squash legend Jahangir Khan has said the Pakistan Squash Federation needs to do much more to improve the game and restore the country’s former glory on the international stage.

Addressing the opening ceremony of an international squash tournament in Karachi, Jahangir Khan, a six-time World Open and 10-time British Open champion, expressed disappointment over the country’s declining standing in the sport.

He noted that, regrettably, no Pakistani player currently features among the world’s top 25 squash players.

“It is unfortunate that a country which once dominated the world of squash is now struggling to produce players who can compete at the highest international level,” he said.

Jahangir Khan pointed out that Pakistan still possesses considerable squash talent and continues to host international tournaments regularly. He also welcomed the arrival of sponsors despite the challenges facing the sport.

He urged the federation to establish academies, develop young talent and provide players with better opportunities to progress and compete internationally.

The squash legend criticised the federation for relying heavily on a single international tournament hosted by the Chief of the Air Staff, saying that a broader and more sustained effort was needed to revive the sport.

He stressed that the Pakistan Squash Federation must take responsibility for addressing the problems facing the game. He also expressed concern that the federation lacked independent voices willing to question existing policies and propose meaningful reforms.

Jahangir Khan emphasised the need for accountability within the federation, adding that changing coaches alone would not resolve the underlying issues.

He said Pakistan had a rich squash history and should seek guidance from its legendary players, while also involving them in practical efforts to improve the sport.

The former world champion further stressed that people with a genuine understanding of squash and a commitment to Pakistan’s broader interests in the game should be brought into leadership roles.