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27th July:
Continuing the Pakistan theme ... in
Islamabad last year Framboise met Jamshed Gul, and some of his
referees ... from Pakistan En Bref |
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JAMSHED GUL:
BACK IN PAKISTAN
For years, Jamshed Gul worked abroad, in Malaysia for 5 years
I believe. But recently, the Pakistani Squash Federation has asked
him to come back to his native country, and placed him in charge of
Coaching, as coaching Director. He is also in charge of the Senior
Team, and the Director of Referees.
“My aim is to make Pakistan Squash open to the world”, said the very
helpful and talented man.
This man is a gem, let me tell you. He has made me feel like I’m a
member of the Royal Family of England, and whatever I ask for, he is
doing his utmost best to provide it. I know he played a crucial part
in me being here, so I am extremely grateful…
I’ve only been here for one day, but I am impressed by a lot over
here. And no doubt I will be speaking about Jamshed a lot more
before this tournament is over… |
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IMPRESSED BY
THE REFEREEING
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Sajjad Ahmad (my guide)
and Ayaz Khan |
OK. Let’s face
it right now. Pakistan used to have a not too good reputation when
it came to its refereeing system. Well, if I can judge by what I saw
today, Fahim Gul, Tournament Referee, and Jamshed Gul,
Director of Referees, can be proud of their men.
 The
standard of refereeing in the qualifying round was astonishing, and
had nothing to envy to any major tournament all around the world.
Yes, a few marking announcement mistakes, so what?
As a non English born language speaker, I know how hard it is
sometimes to get the words in the right order under pressure.
But the decisions were spot on. The refs didn’t let themselves be
impressed by “drama queen” attitudes, walking to the other side of
the service box to try to force the decision, asked very quickly
that the game should continue…
No “home advantage”, let me tell you. A very very high standard
indeed…
What can I say… I’m impressed.
Well done guys! |
 ONG IN THREE…
A
young referee, Yawar Islam, caused a little sensation on
Saturday, as in a training match with Ong Beng Hee, he beat
the Malaysian number one in three games…
It was all for fun, of course, but nevertheless, history has been
made, and memories are made of these… |
MY
GUIDE & SAVIOUR…
Today, I wanted to visit the whole complex… Well, it’s so vast I
actually didn’t have the time to see the swimming pool or the
hostel, but I saw some great buildings, like the football ground,
the gymnasium, the Hockey ground, tennis ground, racing ground
(photos below)…
 And
I saw what they call “the old squash complex”, which is about 50
yards from the new one. I tell you, it’s something else… The glass
court is absolutely amazing, and for once, the referees have the
best place, just in front of the court… And the viewing is just
amazing.
 Where
else in the world will you find two glass courts in the same place??
Not surprising that the Men's World Team Championships will
happen here next year… And I tell you something, if they’ll have me,
I’ll be back…
Anyway, to visit all those great places, I had my personal guide and
protection, the adorable Sjjad Ahmed, who became my saviour
as well… Well, I was giving an interview (yes, for once…) and I was
late, and the bus was waiting for me, and I rushed… And forgot my
file with all the score sheets of the day…
Catastrophe…
Well, not really. A phone call to Sijjad, and pronto, the
file was at the reception desk…
I love Pakistan… |
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 MY
GUARDIAN ANGEL…
You know, when you are in a foreign
country, in a different civilisation, you do feel a bit lost.
Well, I was sent a guardian angel, under the name of Imran Khan.
He is a referee on the tournament, but he also (and that’s his
main duty, as far as I’m concerned…) looks after me all day long,
makes sure I’m having my tea, that I am being fed, answers all my
queries, etc…
Well I tell you, girls, men like that
are difficult to find nowadays, and I wouldn’t mind bringing him
back in my luggage…. |
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from
December 2004 |
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