The Legendary Journey of Jahangir Khan: Triumphs, Struggles, and Hard-Earned Success in the Squash World

Muhammad Usman Arshad
4 min readApr 15, 2024

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In the memoirs of squash history, few names shine as brightly as Jahangir Khan. Widely regarded as one of the greatest squash players of all time, Khan’s journey from a young prodigy to a dominant force in the squash world is a testament to his unparalleled talent, relentless work ethic, and unwavering determination.

Early Beginnings and Family Legacy:

Born on December 10, 1963, in Karachi, Pakistan, Jahangir Khan was destined to follow in the footsteps of his legendary cousin, Hashim Khan, who had already made waves in the squash world by winning multiple British Open titles. From a young age, Khan displayed a natural aptitude for the sport, honing his skills under the watchful eye of his father, Roshan Khan, himself a former squash champion.

Rise to Prominence:

Khan’s ascent to the top of the squash world was nothing short of meteoric. In 1979, at the age of just 15, he became the youngest winner of the World Amateur Squash Championship, a feat that would set the stage for his remarkable career. His dominance only grew from there, as he went on to win an astonishing 555 consecutive matches over a span of five years, a feat unmatched in the history of any sport.

Overcoming Adversity:

Despite his seemingly invincible stature on the court, Khan faced his fair share of challenges along the way. In 1981, he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition that threatened to derail his career prematurely. However, with characteristic resilience, Khan underwent successful treatment and returned to the sport with renewed vigor, cementing his status as a true champion.

Legacy of Excellence:

Throughout his illustrious career, Khan amassed an unprecedented collection of titles and accolades, including a record-breaking ten consecutive wins at the prestigious British Open, a feat that remains unmatched to this day. His unparalleled skill, athleticism, and mental fortitude revolutionized the game of squash, inspiring generations of players to reach for new heights of excellence.

Beyond the Court:

Beyond his achievements on the squash court, Khan’s impact extended far beyond the realm of sports. He used his platform to advocate for greater accessibility and inclusivity within the sport, particularly in his native Pakistan, where he established numerous squash academies to nurture the talents of young players from all walks of life.

Retirement and Legacy:

After retiring from professional squash in 1993, Jahangir Khan’s legacy continued to resonate throughout the squash world and beyond. His influence can be felt in the countless lives he touched, both on and off the court, and his name remains synonymous with excellence, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

In the archives of sports history, few figures loom as large as Jahangir Khan. His extraordinary talent, unparalleled achievements, and unwavering dedication to his craft have earned him a place among the pantheon of sporting legends. But perhaps more importantly, his legacy serves as a reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity, defy expectations, and inspire greatness in others. Jahangir Khan, the squash world legend, will forever be remembered as a shining example of what it means to reach for the stars and achieve the impossible.

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Muhammad Usman Arshad

Justice, truth, equality, peace, freedom, progress and wisdom to rule, that’s my life long wish.