ISLAMABAD  - Pakistan players are taking giant strides in PSA rankings with newly-crowned Pakistan number 1 squash player Nasir Iqbal has taken eight steps leap as he is now sitting at world number 45 from 53 in the last rankings issued by the PSA. All the other players are also now constant rise in the world rankings.
While talking with this correspondent a delighted Nasir said: “My sheer hard work and coach Jamshed Gul's special attention doing wonders for not only me but also to the other players. I am feeling complete turnaround in my mental and physical fitness. I reached US for the very first time in my career to play PSA events and in the very first event I managed to take the title while I had to settle for runners up spot in the second event. It was a very good learning experience for me. I would learn quickly and everyone would notice change when I go again to play in US. I had managed to fulfill one dream and that was to break into top 50. Now the next task is to grab a place in the top 20. If the PSF continues to sponsor me and provided with required amount of PSA events, it is my promise the day is not far when not only me but other talented players would also break into that elite group of players and soon start to win laurels for the country.”
Meanwhile sharing his views head coach Jamshed termed Nasir's achievement a much-needed boost for others to follow. “When I took over the reins of coaching two-year back, Nasir was sitting at 124 in PSA rankings. But now by the grace of God, players dedication and my sincere efforts had paid off. I would like to mention PSF's very supportive role as well as without federation’s help and provision of funds, it could not be possible. Now the first task is accomplished. I had set my sights on taking at least 4 or 5 players in the top 50 elite group with few of them breaking into top 20 and it is by no means a daydream as it is very much possible. We need sufficient amount of funds.
Federation alone can't bear the burden the hefty amount required to take players to go top. The government and private sector have to come forward and lend a helping hand to federation. It is my promise, they would not be disappointed and positive and desired results would start to come sooner rather than later.