ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's future medal hope Nasir Iqbal has said that unconditional support by the Pakistan Squash Federations (PSF) and able coaching of head coach Jamshed Gul are the factors which helped me becoming top ranked squash player of the country.
Nasir has jumped to world number 48 according to the latest rankings issued by the PSA, his upward trend is continuing unabated ever since he has been working under head coach Jamshed Gul.
In an interview with The Nation on Thursday, Nasir gave credit of his recent improvements to Jamshed Gul and PSF's unconditional support. "It is just because of the PSF's attention and massive support that now I am to climb to world No 48 rankings. Previously, I was nowhere near top 100 players, but ever since, I have been provided countless opportunities by the federation and going through hard training under coach Jamshed, a complete turnaround is clearly witnessed in my game."
"I it just because of special treatment being provided to me by the federation that I am enjoying consistent rise in world rankings. I admit that I have not done so well in the previous two PSA events held in the country but it was just because of lack of international exposure but with the help of the PSF which is providing us maximum participations in the international event, we will deliver at international level and try to earn laurels for the country," he added.
When this scribe asked Nasir to pick a player from new generation which can reach same heights which Jahangir and Jansher once enjoyed, he replied: "No single player has now caliber to reach those heights which Jahangir and Jansher once enjoyed because these days players don't want to struggle hard rather they want to adopt short cuts for success which ends no result but failure. For climbing the summit, players need to work hard and that too with complete devotion and focus as nothing can be achieved without setting a certain target and goals."
"It is my request to the PSF to provide me maximum time with head coach Jamshed, as in the past few months, I have not trained even for few days with him. I need at least six months training with him and it is my promise if the federation does provide me with this opportunity, I will break into top 20 in the world and start producing those performances, which are being expected from me," he asserted.
The PSF in the past didn't established long-term camps as all those camps were hardly 10-15 days duration. "We need to have camps on longer basis which should be at least three to four months and that too on round the year basis as such long camps will put a new lease of life in all the players." Speaking about his chances in the World Open Individual Championship, Nasir said: "Although 20 days training for such a high-profile event, in which all the top players will be seen in action, is not enough yet I still believe both Farhan and I, with the experience of Jamshed, can pose serious threat to the best in business."
He said there was a tremendous talent available to the federation in the form of Marwan and Reshwan, two brothers hailing from Peshawar. "Both Marwan and Reshwan are brilliant and have produced sensational results at very young ages and are champions in their respective age groups. But due to sheer negligence and non-availability of facilities, they both have stopped playing squash which is indeed a grave loss for the country. It is my humble request to PSF SVP Air Vice Marshal Syed Razi Nawab to pay special attention to this matter of great interest for the country and pursue their parents to urge their kids to start playing squash again," he urged.
"SVP is fully capable of playing a vital role in this regard and I am sure they will not disappoint the nation and give exceptional results and that too in a matter of time," Nasir concluded.