Squash legend and former world champion Jahangir Khan visited the state-of-the-art Squash Complex at Nishtar Park Sports Complex and inaugurated three newly constructed squash courts built by Punjab Sports Department.
Jahangir Khan formally inaugurated the courts by cutting the ribbon and playing a few shots. During the ceremony, the Punjab Sports Department also handed over the three courts to the Pakistan Squash Academy under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi briefed about the facilities and development of the newly constructed Squash Complex. The legendary squash player also visited the gymnasium and inspected the international, national and practice courts.
While talking to media on the occasion, Jahangir Khan appreciated the Punjab government and the Punjab Sports Department for developing the modern squash facility in Lahore. “The Punjab Sports Department has built a beautiful squash complex and this modern facility is a not less than a gift for Lahore and young squash players,” Jahangir Khan said.
He thanked Chief Minister Punjab, Secretary Sports Punjab and his team for developing this excellent facility, adding that there were very few squash courts of such quality anywhere in the world. Recalling his own playing days, Jahangir Khan said he had also wished to play at such a modern facility.
Jahangir Khan stressed that there was no shortcut to success and that players had to work hard to achieve excellence. “Success does not come through shortcuts. We used to practice for eight hours every day,” he said, adding that Pakistan had no shortage of talented players.
Jahangir Khan said he was particularly pleased to unveil the three new courts and expressed hope that the facility would help nurture the next generation of squash players.
Secretary Sports Punjab Fazal-ur-Rehman thanked Jahangir Khan for visiting the Squash Complex and appreciated his encouragement for the development of squash in Punjab. He said that young squash players would benefit from modern facilities and training opportunities at the complex.
President Pakistan Squash Academy Adnan Asad announced that a CM Punjab Squash Event carrying a prize purse of Rs10 million would also be organized in near future to promote the sport and provide competitive opportunities to talented players.
DG Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi said the state-of-the-art Squash Complex had been equipped with modern courts and facilities. “The complex has six practice courts, one international court and one national squash court,” Qureshi said.