PETALING JAYA: Pakistan may be a rival to Malaysia at the Commonwealth Games (July 28-Aug 8) but the Birmingham-bound national squash team will receive a special visit from the East Asian nation’s most celebrated squash player Jahangir Khan (pic) tomorrow.
Jahangir, a six-time world champion and a record 10-time British Open winner, has been a regular in international squash events in Malaysia during his heyday.
However, this will be one of his rare returns to Malaysia since his official visits as the president of the World Squash Federation (WSF) from 2002 to 2008.
The Pakistan legend is a well-liked figure here and the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) director of coaching Major (rtd) S. Maniam said his courtesy call is a pleasant surprise.
“Jahangir needs no introduction in squash and the legendary player will meet up with our Commonwealth Games squad players. The pep talk will be timely as the Games are around the corner.
“It will be a very motivating session for this generation who may be seeing him for the first time. He will be at the National Squash Centre (Bukit Jalil) on Thursday.
“Jahangir is here to attend a private function and decided to spend some time with our players.”
Malaysia will be sending five men and four women to Birmingham where they will play in five events.
The men’s team consist of Ng Eain Yow, Ivan Yuen, Syafiq Kamal, Addeen Idrakie and Ong Sai Hung while Aifa Azman, Rachel Arnold, Chan Yiwen and Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi form the women’s team.
The team will leave for Birmingham on Saturday.
