China people keen to promote squash in the country: Says Shahid Zaman
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD: Top International Squash coach and former Pakistan player, Shahid Zaman Khan visited Shanghai from June 22 to 28, 2023 to coach the budding squash players at Lantau Squash Courts, Hongiao Sports Park Shanghai at the request of the Shanghai Squash Association (SSA).
Shahid Zaman told this reporter that Deputy Secretary General SSA Jin Zhen, who is also General Manager of LongYu Sports, had contacted him about this assignment and finally, he visited China and trained the players during the 7-day camp. “I was busy at Harvard Business School Boson and at the request of SSA I joined the camp for seven days, “he added.
“China people are keen to promote squash in their country and they are toiling hard to achieve their goal. They are doing tremendous work for squash and providing international standard facilities to their male and female players. I came from Boston, United States of America (USA) and I found the players hungry to learn the skills and techniques of squash, “he further said.
Replying to a question he said that it was an honour for me to guide the budding squash players of China. “We have an exemplary friendship with our neighboring country and I enjoyed it here. Chinese love Pakistan and Pakistani people. They are well disciplined and well equipped in squash and are trying their best to gain a position in the world of squash, “he maintained.
Zaman further said that officials of the China Squash were working hard to move ahead at the international level. “It was amazing for me that they collect the information of players and clubs. They motivate their players to squash and facilitate them in good manners. They are constructing squash courts according to international demands. They want to promote squash in days, “he asserted.
He further said Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) should hire the services of qualified Pakistani coaches, who could train the teenagers. “I am not asking for any job for myself because I have a job in a reputable organization Harvard Business School Boson in the USA. But, many other Pakistani coaches are working abroad and the federation should utilize their services to regain the lost glory of Pakistan squash. We are at our lowest ebb at this stage, “he lamented.
Shahid Zaman said, “There is no respect for coaches in Pakistan, and the squash federation does not want to hire the services of the best coaches. We played squash for Pakistan and we got all honours and respect due to our country. We want to see our squash again on top. This is our dream and being a Pakistan we pray for Pakistan squash each day, “former Pakistan squash player Shahid Zaman Khan concluded.
