Cancellation of major events adds to Nasir’s misery
Cancellation of major events adds to Nasir’s misery
ISLAMABAD: Out of the frying pan into the fire. This has been the case for Nasir Iqbal, who had been waiting for four years for his international ban to end. But when it did end on February 28, COVID-19 pandemic caused cancellation or postponement of all major international tournaments, stretching the squash player’s wait even further.
Whatever time and smaller tournaments he found in early March, Nasir rapidly improved his ranking from outside 600 to around 250. He had been training to be amongst the top 20 within a year after the end of the ban.
“I did not train and practice as hard previously as I have been doing for the past two years. I knew I had to stay extremely fit to make an entry into the cadre of leading players. So I kept working hard on my fitness and was ready to take this work into major tournaments,” Nasir said while talking to ‘The News’.
The South Asian gold medallist is believed to have fallen victim to South Asian squash politics. He was banned for four years by WADA after testing positive by Indian laboratories for using performance-enhancing drugs.
Any other player without mental toughness could have hanged his racket there and then because four years is a long time to wait for. Nasir thought otherwise and continued his efforts to emerge better and fitter than he was before. “I am a strong believer so I never lost faith in my ability and passion. I continued to work on my fitness, putting in extra effort which top squash players do these days.”
Just days before the expiry of his four-year ban, he returned from USA where he had gone to train under one of the leading fitness trainers in Dallas.
“The five-month fitness training I underwent in USA was an eye-opener for me. There I realised that squash has become completely different. It is more about speed and agility rather than long rallies. Definitely, it has become more technical now so you need to master your strokes rather getting involved in casual play. I also got training from former Pakistan coach Jahanzaib. With all confidence, I can say I am well-equipped to respond to growing demands of modern squash.”
Nasir rued missing the first major tournament that should have been the CAS Open in Islamabad this month. “For the CAS Open I was awarded a wildcard and I hoped for a solid start to bigger tournaments. I have a strong faith in Allah Almighty and hope that day is not far when we will see action getting back to courts.” Nasir is also awarded a wildcard for the Texas Open that is to be held later this year. “It was only a matter of few months after the restart and I am sure you will soon find me in the top 50 and progressing with each tournament.”
Nasir is continuing his training in Peshawar these days. After offering Fajr prayer, Nasir gives two to three hours to exercise that also includes cycling, running and physical activity. A few days back, PSF Senior Vice President Amir Masood hoped to see Nasir among the top 20 in a year time.
Article source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/640960-cancellation-of-major-events-adds-to-nasir-s-misery