Blueprint for glory: Fahim Gul aims to make Noor Zaman world No.1 like Jansher Khan

Pakistan's national squash coach Fahim Gul aims to make a tailored plan for rising star Noor Zaman, similar to the one that catapulted Jansher Khan to global dominance, looking to replicate the legendary champion's success.

“We will make a plan for him (Noor) like the way I had made plan for Jansher Khan who ruled the world. Noor is a world-class talent and I hope he will live up to the nation’s expectations,” Fahim told Nukta in an interview.

Noor on Thursday created ripples when he lifted the World Under-23 Squash Championship title in Karachi. Noor, the grandson of former squash great Qamar Zaman, came from 0-2 down to conquer Egypt's Kareem El Torkey 3-2 following a sensational fight.

The title win created a big hope for Pakistan’s bright future in squash, the game in which the nation ruled the world for several decades in the past.

Fahim said Noor will further develop when he will play with the world’s major players.

“Noor Zaman is a world class player and he has worked harder. Now the plan is that we are going to hold three to four tournaments of 25,000 US dollars. Our plan is that first he should come in top 20. We are preparing him to create an upset at the top level,” Fahim said.

“He is young and is being imparted quality training and I am very much hopeful that when he will play in top 15 or 16, he will compete with the world’s major players with more confidence,” Fahim said.

Fahim also recalled how Noor has been developed.

“Noor was not mentally sound and he used to get furious in the court which is why first of all we made him mentally sound. And, secondly, he is an attacking player and keeping in view his aggressive posture we have trained him accordingly and we will continue to train him in the same way. He has the quality to play every kind of game and we will try to make his front court game stronger. We also try to make him mentally stronger,” Fahim said.

Noor was seen under terrific pressure in the final against the Egyptian and Fahim revealed how he tackled that pressure before winning the tensely-fought decider.

“Noor tried to put his opponent under pressure in the start but he himself took pressure. When Noor lost two games, I gave him a plan and advised him to stick to that. Noor was playing better than his opponent. However, he was not using front court and I told him to use front court. And it helped him and pressure diverted towards his opponent,” Fahim said.

“In game such situation comes and where you have to guide the player towards a right plan. He listened to me and implemented that plan and it gifted him the win with the grace of God,” Fahim was quick to add.

Asked about former world junior champion Hamza Khan, who faced an early exit in the event, Fahim said he is a ‘big player’ and can give a major result.

“There is no doubt in it that he is a big player and can produce major results but the issue with him is that he is not focused, does not train properly and that is why he loses,” Fahim said.

“In squash you need to make top effort and training. If you don’t practice properly, you will not be able to cope with the challenges which your opponent will pose to you. You cannot attack from all spots and you have to make the ball. Hamza no doubt is highly talented and if he keeps top working discipline then it will help him and the country,” Fahim said.