Jahangir Khan: The Sultan Of Squash
April 16 2024
As part of their 50 year anniversary celebrations, the Professional Squash Association (PSA) celebrate the record-breaking career of Jahangir Khan in their latest PSA50 article. Discover how Jahangir Khan emerged as the most dominant player in the history of squash and why his ascendency to the very top of the professional game was as much a triumph of ability as it was a triumph of determination.
For the full story, visit: psaworldtour.com
Jahangir Khan Career Highlights:
In 1979, at just 15 years of age, Jahangir Khan became the youngest-ever winner of the World Amateur Individual Squash Championship.
In November 1981, Jahangir Khan became the youngest-ever World Open Squash Champion at just 17, beating the great Australian and champion favourite Geoff Hunt in the final.
Between April 1981 until November 1986, Jahangir Khan went on to establish a remarkable 555-match unbeaten run over five and a half years.
In his record breaking career, Jahangir Khan won ten British Open Squash Championships and six World Squash Open titles.
Jahangir Khan topped the Men’s World Squash Rankings for a total of 94 months between January 1982 and April 1992.
Upon his retirement from the professional world squash tour, Jahangir Khan was first elected Vice-President of the World Squash Federation (WSF) in November 1998 and President from 2002-2008.
Jahangir Khan, from Karachi, Pakistan, emerged as the indomitable force in the sport of squash, with his record breaking career marked not only by sheer talent but by unwavering determination.
Born into a lineage steeped in squash glory, Jahangir's father, Roshan Khan, himself a titan of the sport, laid the groundwork for his sons' success. Despite early health challenges, Jahangir’s potential was evident, though overshadowed by the initial spotlight on his brother Torsam Khan, a rising squash star in his own right.
Jahangir's path to greatness was riddled with obstacles. Health setbacks, including multiple hernia surgeries, threatened to derail his aspirations. Yet, under his father's vigilant gaze, he embarked on a journey that would redefine squash history.
At the tender age of fifteen, Jahangir showed his prowess when his meteoric rise culminated in a historic victory at the World Amateur Individual Squash Champion in Australia, securing his status as the youngest champion ever.
Tragedy struck with the sudden death of his brother Torsam Khan, casting a shadow over Jahangir's passion for the game. Bereft and disillusioned, he withdrew from the sport, grappling with grief and uncertainty. It was a period of soul-searching that ultimately reignited his determination to honour his brother's legacy.
Under the tutelage of his cousin Rahmat Khan, the founder of UNSQUASHABLE, Jahangir embarked on a gruelling training regimen, honing his skills and fortifying his resolve. The fruits of his labour were evident as he ascended to the pinnacle of squash, dethroning formidable opponents and etching his name in squash folklore.
Jahangir's crowning achievement came with an unprecedented streak of 555 consecutive victories, a feat unparalleled in the annals of professional sports. His dominance was epitomised by a decade-long reign as the British Open Squash Champion, a testament to his unparalleled skill and tenacity.
Despite formidable challenges from rivals such as compatriot Jansher Khan, the legacy of Jahangir Khan remained unrivalled. His retirement from competitive play was marked by triumph, leading Pakistan to glory at the World Team Squash Championship before assuming leadership roles within the sport, most notably with the World Squash Federation (WSF).
Today, Jahangir Khan stands as an icon of squash, his legacy immortalised by his unparalleled achievements and unwavering dedication to the sport of squash.
For the full story, visit: psaworldtour.com
Jahangir Khan Career Highlights:
In 1979, at just 15 years of age, Jahangir Khan became the youngest-ever winner of the World Amateur Individual Squash Championship.
In November 1981, Jahangir Khan became the youngest-ever World Open Squash Champion at just 17, beating the great Australian and champion favourite Geoff Hunt in the final.
Between April 1981 until November 1986, Jahangir Khan went on to establish a remarkable 555-match unbeaten run over five and a half years.
In his record breaking career, Jahangir Khan won ten British Open Squash Championships and six World Squash Open titles.
Jahangir Khan topped the Men’s World Squash Rankings for a total of 94 months between January 1982 and April 1992.
Upon his retirement from the professional world squash tour, Jahangir Khan was first elected Vice-President of the World Squash Federation (WSF) in November 1998 and President from 2002-2008.
Jahangir Khan, from Karachi, Pakistan, emerged as the indomitable force in the sport of squash, with his record breaking career marked not only by sheer talent but by unwavering determination.
Born into a lineage steeped in squash glory, Jahangir's father, Roshan Khan, himself a titan of the sport, laid the groundwork for his sons' success. Despite early health challenges, Jahangir’s potential was evident, though overshadowed by the initial spotlight on his brother Torsam Khan, a rising squash star in his own right.
Jahangir's path to greatness was riddled with obstacles. Health setbacks, including multiple hernia surgeries, threatened to derail his aspirations. Yet, under his father's vigilant gaze, he embarked on a journey that would redefine squash history.
At the tender age of fifteen, Jahangir showed his prowess when his meteoric rise culminated in a historic victory at the World Amateur Individual Squash Champion in Australia, securing his status as the youngest champion ever.
Tragedy struck with the sudden death of his brother Torsam Khan, casting a shadow over Jahangir's passion for the game. Bereft and disillusioned, he withdrew from the sport, grappling with grief and uncertainty. It was a period of soul-searching that ultimately reignited his determination to honour his brother's legacy.
Under the tutelage of his cousin Rahmat Khan, the founder of UNSQUASHABLE, Jahangir embarked on a gruelling training regimen, honing his skills and fortifying his resolve. The fruits of his labour were evident as he ascended to the pinnacle of squash, dethroning formidable opponents and etching his name in squash folklore.
Jahangir's crowning achievement came with an unprecedented streak of 555 consecutive victories, a feat unparalleled in the annals of professional sports. His dominance was epitomised by a decade-long reign as the British Open Squash Champion, a testament to his unparalleled skill and tenacity.
Despite formidable challenges from rivals such as compatriot Jansher Khan, the legacy of Jahangir Khan remained unrivalled. His retirement from competitive play was marked by triumph, leading Pakistan to glory at the World Team Squash Championship before assuming leadership roles within the sport, most notably with the World Squash Federation (WSF).
Today, Jahangir Khan stands as an icon of squash, his legacy immortalised by his unparalleled achievements and unwavering dedication to the sport of squash.