Former world number 35 and ex-Pakistan number 1 squash player Nasir Iqbal has made a resounding return to the squash court with big bang as he won five back-to-back close satellite circuit squash tournaments held in Karachi.

Nasir was away from the squash court as he was serving a doping ban that he described as an injustice to him and the country. Nasir was banned for four years for using a banned substance in 2016 during 12th SAG held in India.

“It was dark and long four years wait, which I had to bear without any fault. I was banned for a crime, which I never committed. I ran from pillar to post to seek justice, but failed to get the justice. Those were highly horrifying moments of my life, which I want to forget as quickly as I can. In fact, if my family was not with me, I would have never stage comeback.”

He said playing competitive squash after more than four years was a different feeling altogether as “squash is my life and without playing squash, it was like fish without water.”

He said it was all made possible by Jahanzeb Masood’s help as he invited him to the USA last year and provided him with opportunity to train with top professional squash players.

“I never for a while even took rest and soon upon my return form the USA, I started training in Peshawar under Tahir Iqbal Khan. Jahanzeb designed 5 circuit tournaments, which helped me a great deal, as I played against the top national players and also against the juniors, who are also very good. The victory against all the opponents gave me huge confidence boost. I played those events to prepare for mega Chief of Air Staff tournament, which was set to start at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad from April 3 to 7 and some other PSA tournaments. Unfortunately, due to spread of corona virus, CAS and other tournaments planned for month of April are postponed and I had to wait a little bit more before I can play in major PSA tournaments.”

Nasir vowed to recapture his national top ranking back and to get back into top 50 and then break into top 10 as quickly as possible.

“I know it is tough task, but not impossible. I had tasted huge success earlier and I know with sheer passion, hard work, dedication and with the prayers of people, I will manage to win titles.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOavNaBX4NU