The Pakistani Spectator

As part of a great squash dynasty (his father British open champion in 1957, brother and cousin were all international players), Khan had the game in his genes. In 1979, at the tender age of 15, he had already won the World Amateur title. But his brother, Torsam Khan, died of a heart attack that same year while playing in the Australian Open; with the loss of his mentor and hero, Khan nearly gave up the game. Two years later, however, he honored Torsam’s memory by defeating the Australian squash legend Geoff Hunt to become, at 17, the youngest-ever winner of the World Open. His strategy, then and later, was eerily reminiscent of a matador’s—to wear down his opponent’s physical and mental reserves, bit by bit, before delivering the sudden coup de grace — usually a lethal drop shot from the very back of the court.

Jahangir Khan might just be the most successful sporting figure in history. In five years and eight months from 1981 to 1986, the Pakistani squash player was unbeaten in 774 matches. Before the decade was out, he had taken six World Open trophies. From 1982 to 1991, he won 10 British Open titles in a row. If winning is everything, then Khan is the greatest. Period.

He is the only squash player who has dominated as number one in international and North American hardball squash at the same time.

Jahangir’s achievements brought him the title of “The King of Squash” and the pundits of the game have dubbed him theGreatest Squash Champion of the contemporary period. Jahangir Khan was also voted the greatest ever male player by a poll on the World Squash Federation website in January 2002, along with life time achievement award he was also awarded hall of fame by World Squash Federation in 1993, he has become a household name throughout the world, not only for his remarkable playing achievements, but also for his conduct as World Champion, always humble in victory and defeat.

He retired from squash in 1993. The government of Pakistan honored Jahangir Khan in 1984, putting his image on a postage stamp and presenting him with the President’s Award and the highest civil award of Hilal-e-Imtiaz. He was also awarded Sportsman of the Millennium award in Pakistan. Jahangir Khan was among the top 60 Asian heroes list from last 60 years by famous Time magazine, including heroes from all walks of life. He was honored sports and youth award by French government in 1990.

In 1990 he was also elected Chairman of the Professional Squash Association (PSA). In 1998 he was elected Vice President of the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF). In November 1998 he was elected Vice President of the World Squash Federation (WSF). He was elected President of World Squash Federation (WSF) in October 2002. In 2007, he received an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy Degree from the London Metropolitan University for his services to sport and society.

Jahangir, whose name means “conqueror of the world” in Urdu language. His achievements in life reflect the meaning of his name, thus the phrase “what is in a name?” stands true for his personality.

Jahangir Khan is also in the Guinness book of world record for his unbeatable achievements. With this fine pedigree he became arguably the best sportsman Pakistan has ever produced.

Courtesy BeyondSport.org