Pakistan's squash legacy, once unmatched worldwide, remains stalled not by a lack of talent but by a deficit of professional oversight. That is the core assertion from Jahangir Khan, the sport's most decorated figure, who insists that administrative reform, not player ability, holds the key to reversing decades of decline. Speaking at the inauguration of new courts in Lahore, he framed the issue bluntly: the country's glorious past cannot be revived unless 'the right man for the right job' principle governs the sport's governance. Main Developments During a ceremony at the Nishtar Sports Complex on Saturday, three newly constructed squash courts were officially handed over by the Sports Board Punjab (SBP) to Pakistan Squash Academies. Jahangir, the 62-year-old legend, took to the court himself to play a few shots, fulfilling a personal dream that spanned over three decades. He had first wished to compete at this venue during his playing days, but the project, which began in 1992, was only now completed. Jahangir used the platform to criticize the sport's management, stating that Pakistan's fall from grace is primarily due to non-professionals running its affairs. He contrasted this with other nations where professional administrators have driven success. He also suggested that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), historically involved in squash, could serve as patron-in-chief, but stressed that all technical decisions must rest with qualified experts. Read also: Martin's Silverstone Sprint Win Extends MotoGP Lead to 17 Points Background Jahangir's career defines an era of Pakistani dominance that no other nation has replicated. From 1982 to 1991, he captured six World Open titles and ten British Open titles, retiring in 1993 with a world record 555 consecutive match wins from 1981 to 1986. He later served as president of the World Squash Federation from 2002 to 2008, giving him a global perspective on the sport's administration. The decline he references is steep: Pakistan, which once ruled international squash for 30 years, now struggles to produce top-tier players. The lack of incentives for established players is another factor he highlighted, asking pointedly where the country's recognized squash figures are being honored. This, combined with insufficient professional management, has allowed other nations to surge ahead. Why It Matters For Pakistan, squash is more than a game—it is a source of national pride and a historical marker of excellence. Jahangir's comments underscore that without structural changes, the country risks losing its competitive edge permanently. The new courts, which he called a 'gift for Lahore and its young squash players,' offer a rare opportunity to nurture future talent, but only if the sport is run with the same professionalism that defined its golden era. The broader implication extends to sports governance in Pakistan. When asked about the lack of a state-of-the-art volleyball gymnasium in Lahore, which forced the Pakistan Volleyball Federation to relocate the Asian Volleyball Championship to Islamabad, SBP director general Tariq Qureshi noted that two gymnasiums are being built in Sargodha and Faisalabad. His response, that the SBP cannot develop all facilities in Lahore, highlights the resource constraints and prioritization challenges facing the sports ecosystem. What's Next The immediate next step is the operational handover of the new courts to Pakistan Squash Academies, with a memorandum of understanding already signed. Jahangir expressed hope that the facility, which he praised as state-of-the-art, will provide ample opportunities for young players to develop their skills. Whether the sport's administration will heed his call for professional management remains an open question. Qureshi also acknowledged feedback about international events being allocated only to Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi, saying the point was 'well taken' and would be considered in future planning. As Pakistan looks to host more international competitions, the quality of its facilities and the professionalism of its sports bodies will be under scrutiny. For squash, the legacy of Jahangir Khan may yet inspire a revival—if the right people are put in charge.