Jahangir Khan – The Uncrowned King of Squash
From a frail boy in Karachi to the greatest squash player in history, Jahangir Khan’s journey is a story of resilience, records, and timeless inspiration.
By Khan Published 4 months ago • 3 min read
Jahangir Khan – The Uncrowned King of Squash- BY:Khan
In many parts of the world, Pakistan’s name shines not only for its culture and history but also through its athletes. While hockey is recognized as the national sport of Pakistan, the country also achieved unmatched glory in squash. At the heart of this legacy stands Jahangir Khan, a man whose name became synonymous with the game itself. Widely regarded as the greatest squash player in history, Jahangir Khan set records that seemed impossible, leaving behind a legacy that still inspires.
A Sporting Legacy
Jahangir Khan was born on December 10, 1963, in Karachi (though his family roots were in a small village near Peshawar). Squash was a family tradition for the Khans. His father, Roshan Khan, had won the prestigious British Open in 1957, and his cousin Rehmat Khan also carried the family torch in the sport. Even Jahangir’s uncle was deeply involved in squash.
Ironically, as a child, Jahangir was physically weak. Doctors advised him to avoid strenuous sports due to health concerns. But his father encouraged him to try squash, not just as a game but as a way of strengthening both body and mind. The decision would change sporting history forever.
The Youngest World Champion
By the age of 15, Jahangir Khan had already made his mark. He won the World Amateur Squash Championship, becoming the youngest player ever to achieve this honor. His triumph was bittersweet, however. The same year, his elder brother Torsam Khan, a promising squash player himself, collapsed during a match in Australia and tragically passed away from a heart attack.
The incident shook Jahangir deeply, and for a while, he distanced himself from the game. But to honor his late brother’s memory, he decided to continue playing squash. With his cousin Rehmat Khan as his coach, Jahangir devoted himself to the sport with unshakable commitment.
The Rise of a Legend
In 1981, at just 17 years old, Jahangir Khan stunned the world by defeating the Australian legend Geoff Hunt in the final of the World Open Squash Championship. He became the youngest-ever World Open champion.
That victory marked the beginning of an unparalleled era. From 1981 to 1986, Jahangir went on an unbelievable winning streak of 555 consecutive matches, a record recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. For five years, no one in the world could defeat him. In 1982, he won the International Squash Players Association Championship without losing a single point, a feat that left the sporting world speechless.
A once frail boy had now become the most feared opponent on the squash court, rewriting history with every game.
Rivals and Challenges
Every legend needs a rival, and for Jahangir Khan, it was Jansher Khan, another Pakistani prodigy. Their rivalry became iconic in the 1980s and early 1990s. Initially, Jahangir dominated, but Jansher gradually gained ground, defeating Jahangir in several matches. Yet, in 1988, Jahangir bounced back, defeating Jansher in 11 out of their 15 encounters that year.
Despite this, Jahangir continued to collect titles. Between 1982 and 1991, he won the British Open an astonishing 10 consecutive times, a record that remains unbeaten. In total, he captured the World Open title six times, securing his status as the “Uncrowned King of Squash.”
The Man Behind the Success
Jahangir always credited his cousin and coach Rehmat Khan for pushing him to his limits. His fitness regime was legendary. His daily routine included running almost 14 kilometers every morning, intense gym training, and hours of squash practice. His diet was simple but consistent—balanced meals with milk as a must-have.
Jahangir’s discipline and relentless drive were as remarkable as his skill. His philosophy was clear: success was the result of hard work, sacrifice, and mental strength.
Retirement and Legacy
After dominating the squash world for over a decade, Jahangir Khan retired in 1993. But his contributions to the sport did not end there. He went on to serve as the President of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) and later the World Squash Federation (WSF), working tirelessly to promote the game globally.
His honors include Pakistan’s Pride of Performance Award, the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Crescent of Excellence), and recognition by Time Magazine, which listed him among “Asia’s Heroes” for two decades. Perhaps the title he cherishes most, however, is “Sportsman of the Millennium,” given by the people of Pakistan.
A Timeless Inspiration
Jahangir Khan’s story is more than just about sports—it is about resilience, family legacy, and the triumph of willpower over adversity. From a frail boy discouraged by doctors to the greatest squash player in history, his journey stands as a reminder that limitations exist only until you decide to break them.
To this day, young squash players worldwide look up to him, not only for his unmatched records but also for the humility and perseverance he embodied.
As Jahangir Khan once said, the biggest award is not the medals or titles, but the love and respect of his people. Truly, he remains not just Pakistan’s pride but the pride of the sporting world.
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