A legacy hard to follow, the ‘unsquashable’ Jahangir Khan, in one of the most physically demanding sports, won the World Open 6 times and the British Open 10 times. A record still unbeaten.
He is accepted as one of the most successful figures in sporting history, most dynamic and possibly greatest player of all time.
Born in 1963, he suffered from persistent hernia issues and was advised by doctors not to partake in physical activity. After two surgeries, his father Roshan Khan – also once a British Open champion – however encouraged him to play Squash. Jahangir Khan was first coached by him, then by his brother Torsam Khan and finally cousin Rahmat Khan.
At age 15, he became the World’s youngest World Amateur Champion.
At 17, the Youngest British Open and World Champion.
He won the British Open Championship a record 10 times from 1982 to 1991.
He was World Champion 6 times.
He played the longest squash match – 2 hours 46 minutes and was also the first player ever to win a World Open championship without dropping a ball.
He played 555 continuous matches without losing even once, yet another record, this one recognized by the Guinness World Records.
In 1979, tragedy struck his family when his older brother and coach, Torsam Khan passed away due to a heart attack. For a while, Jahangir wanted to quit Squash but then ultimately decided to pursue it as a full fledged career, dedicating his efforts as tribute to his brother. This is when his cousin Rahmat Khan retired from competition just to coach him in no less than a spartan training regime.
His 555 match winning streak finally came to an end after 5 years 8 months when he lost to Ross Norman in the final of the 1986 World Open. He is quoted, “One day Jahangir will be slightly off this game, and I will get him.” After that single loss, he did not lose a single match for another 9 months.
Jahangir was named Sportsman of the Millennium in Pakistan. Time Magazine referred to him as ‘One of Asia’s Greatest Heroes of the Last 60 years.’ The Japanese government paid tribute by issuing a commemorative stamp in Jahangir’s name.
After retiring, he went on to head various Squash Federations in the form of Chairman and President and was given an honorary Doctorate of Philosophy by London Metropolitan University for all his contributions to Squash.
Earlier this month, he and Dame Susan Devoy became the first members of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hall of Fame, launched to recognise the achievements of the game’s most influential squash players, and contributors to the game of squash, past and present.
“I was the smallest, feeblest and sickest of the family,” Jahangir confirmed. ”No-one thought I’d become a good player. So I hope what happened offers hope to millions around the world who are poor, sick or bereaved. I’ve been all three.”
The shy man was later nicknamed “The Conqueror” a play on both his name and his remarkable talent and dominance in the sport!
Shamila Ghyas 
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