A former Pakistan squash player has blamed the country’s national federation for its lackadaisical attitude, which forced him to sell all his silverware and take up the job of a chips vendor for livelihood.

Haider Ali, who was a former National junior champion and also represented the country in several international ranking tournaments between 1991 and ‘96, said he was fed up with the federations non-cooperative nature and non-committal attitude.

“They could not even give me a coaching job despite several pleas,” Haider said.

Selling trophies
Haider said he sold his trophies to purchase a vendor cart and a chips making machine to support his family and himself.

“Everyone says Pakistan squash is on the decline because we are not producing good players. Who will come to play this sport when there is no money in it? Neither is the federation willing to provide a respectable livelihood to players once they retire from the game,” he said.

Haider has now turned to the Sindh Province government for help declining any support from the National federation.

“I appeal to the Sindh Governor and Chief Minister to do something for me because I don’t want any help from the people in the squash federation,” he said.

Former World champion and incumbent World Squash Federation president Jahangir Khan assured to take up Haider’s case with the appropriate authorities.

“Our players must be supported so that they can earn their livelihood through the game itself,” Jahangir said.
PTI