Jahangir Khan is a man whose name is synonymous with squash. A man universally recognised as the world’s greatest ever player and an athlete who transcended his sports to be acknowledged as world’s greatest ever sportsman. A man who set the bar so high, precious few others have come close, never mind surpass his achievements.

Youngest World Amateur Champion (aged 15) Youngest British Open & World Champion (aged 17) Unbeaten in 555 consecutive matches over 5 years and 8 months – the longest winning streak of any sportsman 10 time British Open Champion (1982-1993) 6 time World Champion Played the longest squash match in history (2 hours, 46 minutes)

Through courage, determination and personal sacrifice, Jahangir Khan overcame personal tragedy to dominate and ultimately transcend the world’s most physically demanding sport.Throughout his record breaking career, Jahangir Khan used and was synonymous with only one brand.

Jahangir Khan was born in Karachi, Pakistan on the 10th December 1963 amd is considered to be the greatest player in the history of squash.

Jahangir Khan is originally from Neway Kelay Payan, Peshawar. During his career he was ranked World No.1 and won the World Open six times and the British Open a record ten times.

From 1981 to 1986, Jahangir was unbeaten and during that time won 555 consecutive matches – the longest winning streak by any athlete in top-level professional sport as recorded by Guinness World Records.

Jahangir retired from the Men’s Professional World Squash Tour 1993 and served as President of the World Squash Federation (WSF) from 2002 to 2008 when he became Emeritus President.

Jahangir was coached initially by his father Roshan and then by his late brother Torsam and cousin Rahmat who would go on to coach Jahangir throughout his record breaking career.

As a child Jahangir was physically very weak and despite doctors advising him not to take part in any sort of physical activity his father encouraged him to play their family game following a couple of hernia operations.

After missing out on selection for the Pakistan team for the 1979 World Championships in Australia, Jahangir entered the World Amateur Individual Championship and at 15 years-of-age became the youngest ever winner of the prestigious championship.

In November 1979, Jahangir’s older brother Torsam died suddenly of a heart attack during a tournament match in Australia. Torsam’s death affected Jahangir greatly and led to him considering quitting the game. However, Jahangir was determined to pursue a career in the sport as a tribute to his brother.

Most Notable Achievements:
Won World Amateur Championships at age 15
Youngest ever World Open Champion (aged 17)
Unbeaten in 555 consecutive matches over 5 years and 8 months
Record 10 time British Open Champion (1982-1991)
Six-time World Open Champion
First player to win World Open Championship without dropping a game
Played the longest match in the squash history 2 hours and 46 minutes
Five-year unbeaten run

In 1981, Jahangir became the youngest winner of the World Open at the age of 17 when he beat the then World No.1 Geoff Hunt Australia in the final. That championship marked the start of an unbeaten run which lasted for five years and 555 matches.

Jahangir was distinguished for his incredible fitness and stamina which Rahmat Khan helped him develop through a punishing training and conditioning regime. Jahangir was widely regarded as the fittest player in the sport.

In 1982, Jahangir astounded everyone when he won the International Squash Players Association (ISPA) Championship without losing a single point.

Jahangir’s unbeaten run finally came to end in the final of the 1986 World Open in France when he lost to Ross Norman of New Zealand. Norman had been chasing Jahangir’s unbeaten streak after being beaten time and time again. Norman was famously quoted “One day Jahangir will be slightly off his game and I will get him”.

Speaking about his unbeaten sequence of 555 consecutive matches, Jahangir said: “It wasn’t my plan to create such a record. All I did was put in the effort to win every match I played and it went on for weeks, months and years until my defeat to Ross Norman in Toulouse in 1986.”

“The pressure began to mount as I kept winning every time and people were anxious to see if I could be beaten. In that World Open final, Ross got me. It was exactly five years and eight months. I was unbeaten for another nine months after that defeat.”

At the end of 1986, compatriot Jansher Khan challenged Jahangir’s domination. Jahangir won their first few encounters in late 1986 and early 1987, but Jansher finally scored his first win over Jahangir in September 1987 with a straight games victory in the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Open.

Jansher then went on to beat Jahangir in their next eight consecutive encounters, including capturing the 1987 World Open title.

Jahangir managed to end Jansher’s winning streak over him in March 1988 and went on to win 11 of their next 15 meetings. The pair met in the 1988 World Open final with Jahangir emerging the victor. By that point it had become clear that squash now had two dominant players and the pair would continue to dominate the sport for the rest of the decade.

Jansher and Jahangir met a total of 37 times in professional competition with Jansher winning 19 matches, and Jahangir taking 18 matches.

Jahangir did not win the World Open after 1988 but was able to maintain a stranglehold over the prestigious British Open title which he won a record ten successive times between 1982 and 1991.

Jahangir retired from the professional World Tour in 1993 after helping Pakistan win the World Team Championship in Karachi. He was honoured by the Government of Pakistan with the awards of Pride of Performance and civil award of Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Crescent of Distinction) for his achievements in squash. Jahangir was also named Sportsman of the Millennium in Pakistan.

“Hashim Khan, Jahangir Khan, and Jansher Khan are the best squash players the world has ever known with Jahangir the best of the three. If Hollywood only knew his story of tragedy, grit and determination it would make another movie like Chariots of Fire. Many of those who know him consider him the best athlete who ever lived.”Former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf

In 1990, Jahangir was elected Chairman of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) and in 1997 Vice-President of the Pakistan Squash Federation. Jahangir was elected as Vice-President of the World Squash Federation (WSF) in November 1998 and in October 2002 was elected WSF President. In 2004, Jahangir was again unanimously re-elected as President of the WSF at the International Federation’s 33rd Annual General Meeting in Casa Noyale, Mauritius.

Jahangir Khan was presented with an honorary Doctorate of Philosophy by London Metropolitan University for his contributions to the sport. As a result of his complete dominance in squash he was nicknamed “The Conqueror”

The 9th Thal Jeep Rally commenced on Thursday, beginning with the registration, tagging, inspection, and medical screening of participating vehicles and drivers.

Over 100 vehicles have registered for the rally, which will feature four competition categories. Female racers have entered this year’s competition, including the renowned driver Asif Ali from Britain, who has also joined the event.

The qualifying round will start on Friday (today). Competitions in the stock and women’s categories are scheduled for Saturday (tomorrow Nov 9), while the races for prepared vehicles and motorbikes will take place on Sunday, Nov 10. The rally’s challenging track spans across the Muzaffargarh, Layyah and Kot Addu districts, as confirmed by Deputy Commissioner Quratul Ain Memon.

For the qualifying round, the track extends 3-km, and drivers have been busy practicing on Thursday. The district administration has implemented safety measures, including the deployment of Rescue 1122 teams, police checkpoints, and rescue points along the track route. The DC has declared a local holiday on Nov 8 (today).

Among the participants, three female racers have registered on the first day, including Laleen Akhwanzada, a 20-year-old from Islamabad competing in her first Thal Jeep Rally. Akhwanzada, who previously competed in the Cholistan Jeep Rally twice, is joined by her young navigator, Maira Jabbar.

Akhwanzada said the track offers an exciting challenge with adequate handling. Other female participants include Dina Patel, daughter of famed racer Ronnie Patel, and Super Salma Khan. Patel remarked that the Thal track remains narrow and demanding, but she is thrilled to see more women entering this year’s competition. Salma Khan, a veteran of the rally, also encouraged more female participation, calling for greater government support for female racers.

Renowned racer Nader Magsi commended the improved safety and track quality this year with barriers now in place. He said the rally is getting better every year. He said if the conditions improve, racers from all over the world will participate in this event.

Jahangir Khan is a name synonymous with excellence, domination, and unparalleled success in the world of squash. Widely regarded as the greatest squash player of all time, Jahangir Khan’s achievements in the sport are nothing short of legendary. His career is a testament to his extraordinary talent, unwavering dedication, and the profound impact he has had on the global squash community. Often referred to as the “King of Squash,” Jahangir Khan’s legacy continues to inspire athletes worldwide.

Early Life and Introduction to Squash

Jahangir Khan was born on December 10, 1963, in Karachi, Pakistan, into a family deeply entrenched in the world of squash. His father, Roshan Khan, was a former British Open champion, and his older brother, Torsam Khan, was also a professional squash player. From a young age, Jahangir was exposed to the sport, and it was evident that he possessed a natural affinity for squash. However, his journey to greatness was not without challenges. At the age of 12, he was diagnosed with a serious health condition that required surgery, leading doctors to believe that he would never be able to play competitive sports. But Jahangir’s determination and love for squash drove him to defy the odds and pursue a career in the sport.

Rise to Stardom

Jahangir Khan’s rise to stardom began in 1981 when, at the age of 17, he became the youngest player to win the World Open, the sport’s most prestigious tournament. This victory marked the beginning of an era of dominance that would see Jahangir redefine what it meant to be a champion in squash. From 1981 to 1986, Jahangir Khan embarked on an unprecedented winning streak, remaining unbeaten in 555 consecutive matches. This remarkable feat remains one of the longest winning streaks in the history of professional sports and is a record that is unlikely ever to be broken.

During this period, Jahangir Khan won six World Open titles and ten British Open titles, further cementing his status as the greatest squash player in the world. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level, combined with his physical fitness, mental toughness, and strategic brilliance, made him an unbeatable force on the squash court.

The Rivalry with Jansher Khan

One of the defining aspects of Jahangir Khan’s career was his rivalry with fellow Pakistani squash player Jansher Khan. Their rivalry captivated the squash world throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, with both players pushing each other to new heights. While Jahangir dominated the early years of their encounters, Jansher eventually emerged as a formidable competitor, winning multiple World Open and British Open titles. Their battles on the court are considered some of the greatest matches in squash history, showcasing the intense competition and mutual respect between the two legends.

Contributions to Squash Beyond the Court

Jahangir Khan’s impact on squash extends beyond his achievements on the court. After retiring from professional squash in 1993, Jahangir dedicated himself to promoting and developing the sport globally. He served as the President of the World Squash Federation (WSF) from 2002 to 2008, during which he played a crucial role in advocating for squash’s inclusion in the Olympic Games. His efforts have helped raise the profile of squash and inspire a new generation of players worldwide.

Jahangir Khan’s legacy also includes his contributions to squash in Pakistan, where he has been a role model and mentor for aspiring players. His success brought international recognition to Pakistani squash, a sport that has produced numerous world-class players from the country. Jahangir’s influence has been instrumental in establishing Pakistan as a dominant force in the world of squash.

Honors and Recognition

Jahangir Khan’s achievements have earned him numerous accolades and honors throughout his career. He was awarded the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award, in recognition of his contributions to sports. In 1984, he was named the Sportsman of the Millennium by the Government of Pakistan. Jahangir has also been inducted into the World Squash Federation Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to his extraordinary career.

In addition to these honors, Jahangir Khan’s name has become synonymous with excellence and perseverance in the sporting world. His story of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness serves as an inspiration to athletes across all disciplines, reminding them that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

Legacy and Impact

Jahangir Khan’s legacy in the world of squash is unmatched. His dominance on the court, his sportsmanship, and his contributions to the development of squash have left an indelible mark on the sport. Jahangir is not only remembered for his records and titles but also for his humility, dedication, and passion for the game. He is a symbol of excellence and a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world.

Today, Jahangir Khan remains actively involved in promoting squash, both in Pakistan and internationally. His efforts to nurture young talent and his commitment to the sport ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Jahangir’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and the pursuit of excellence, making him a true icon of the sporting world.

Conclusion

Jahangir Khan’s status as the “King of Squash” is well-deserved, given his extraordinary achievements, unmatched dominance, and lasting impact on the sport. His journey from a young boy overcoming health challenges to becoming the greatest squash player in history is a story of resilience, dedication, and unparalleled excellence. Jahangir Khan’s legacy will forever be etched in the annals of sports history, serving as an inspiration to all who aspire to greatness.