2024-09-03 12:03:13
Aqeel Rehman from the Gneis region has ended his cooperation with the Austrian association. He hopes to return to the top 100 in the season starting now and is considering competing in the 2028 Olympics.
Aqeel Rehman talks about his goals for the season, working with the Austrian federation and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
From 2028, squash will be included in the Olympic Games. Why just now? Akhil Rehman: This is difficult to answer. There is an opportunity to participate before the 2012 London Olympics. But at that time we needed two-thirds of the votes of the Olympic Committee. We narrowly failed at this obstacle. There have been new attempts in recent years, but ultimately priority has been given to sports such as golf and rugby. Squash doesn’t have the same lobby, and unfortunately which sports are included and which aren’t is often a political issue. But I’m glad it finally worked out.
In 2028, you will be 42 years old. Do you hope to compete in the Los Angeles Olympics? It will be extremely difficult, but I’m optimistic that I can do it. I feel like I’m in good shape and there are other players my age and older who are competing at the highest level.
You criticized the Austrian association. Then you’re left out. What is the current situation?I decided not to play for Austria anymore. So much has happened in the past few years.
Could you briefly summarize your criticism again?Lack of professionalism. Whether it’s in the bureau or among the players. After we were relegated to the Third World League in 2019, there was a lot of partying and drinking happening on the same day. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. In 2022, the association wants me to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to participate in the European Team Championships. But that’s not an option for me. Additionally, my funding was withdrawn. These funds will only be paid out to players under the age of 35. To me, this is clearly age discrimination. It was clear to me that I would never play for Austria again. But the association said they don’t want to put any obstacles in my way if I qualify for the 2028 Olympics. However, I don’t quite believe this statement because, unfortunately, opinions change often.
What are your goals for this season? This week I’m in London with my club Vaduz for the European Club Championship. We hope to get to the final round but it will be very difficult. This will be followed by two matches in Cairo and Graz. Of course I hope to be at the top and re-enter the top 100 in the world.
How did you come to work for the team in Liechtenstein?This has developed over the years. Before that I was already active in Switzerland, with a club in Vaduz playing in the Swiss league. There are no clubs in Austria to consider.
You train twice a week with children and teenagers at Gneiss’ facilities. Is the talent there?The kids are definitely motivated. Some come to Gnaiss twice a week and I am supported regularly by other trainers there. It’s too early to say who will be good in the future.
Will there be another race at Europa Park in 2025?I can’t say that yet, but I think so. This year is a huge event with 48 contestants from all over the world participating. Our matches have been well received by the audience and of course I hope to continue.
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