In a country where news channels have a section for sports and then one on cricket and where people sometimes unwittingly say that cricket is the national game, it’s easy to understand how squash in the country went from producing a great like Jahangir Khan to being an obsolete sport.
I swear! I don’t understand why squash hasn’t been given its due attention like cricket, and to some extent hockey. Have we forgotten Jahangir Khan and Jhansher Khan?
The Legend’s Legendary Career
There has been no – and I mean NO – sportsman in the history of Pakistan more successful than Jahangir Khan. Come to think of it… maybe even in the history of ALL sports.
You don’t think so?! You think Mr. Tiger ‘unfaithful’ Woods is more successful? Well if money, number of endorsements, or TV commercials is your measure, then Tiger could lead the pack.
BUT, if you measure success by the number of titles won, the longest unbeaten streak, or achievements in the ACTUAL field of sports, then Jahangir Khan is your man!
At the age of 17 Jahangir became the youngest ever Squash World Open champion, humbling the great Geoff Hunt.
The Khan holds the record for the longest unbeaten streak of 555 matches, spanning over five years (1981-1986).
It was a shock to the whole squash loving world when the man from New Zealand, Ross Norman, defeated a visibly stunned Jahangir Khan in the 1986 Squash World Open Final. But because it had become a habit, the Khan remained unbeaten after this match for another nine months.
That’s not all! By 1991 the ‘Conqueror’ (the literal translation of ‘Jahangir’) had won six Squash World Open titles and ten British Open titles… IN A ROW!
Not enough for you? Well… In 1982 the Conqueror created another record, winning the International Squash Players Association Championship without losing a single point.
So Time Magazine is not wrong when it says “If winning is everything, then Khan is the greatest. Period.”
Now do you think that the Woods guy (excuse me… but I forget his first name) is a more successful athlete, or for that matter anyone else? If somebody shouts ‘Hulk Hogan’ I’m really going lose it!
Deservedly awarded ‘Pakistan’s Sportsman of the Millennium’ award, Mr. Jahangir Khan retired as a player in 1993.
The Legend Lives On
Even though Jahangir Khan is no longer on the field, he has held various key positions even after retirement. After his illustrious career, Jahangir was elected Vice-President of the Pakistan Squash Federation in 1997. In November of 1998, he joined the World Squash Federation as a Vice-President. Within a small period of four years he was elected President and remained so from 2002 – 2008, eventually becoming Emeritus President of the World Squash Federation in 2008.
Jahangir’s rise to legendary status is sort of an anti-climax when you discover that in 1979 the Pakistan selectors decided against selecting him to play in the squad for the world championships in Australia. According to them he was too weak from a recent illness. I would like to meet with these selectors and ask them just how stupid they feel now.
I am sure you now understand why the title of this blog has the letter ‘a’ omitted before the word ‘legend’. Mr. Jahangir is not just ‘A’ legend, he ‘IS’ legend and we should be proud of him.
Can any body share sports trainings of the Legend or possibility getting guidance from the Legend. My son wishes to become a world champ. In sha Allah.
Wonderful article , I have uploaded a large archive of Jahangir Khans best squash matches to youtube. Please goto JDSQUASH.COM and it will take you to the Youtube channel.I also have uploaded a collection of Jansher Khans best matches as well that may interest you.
thanks
great player of all Times. Living Legend. I have listen him in some talk shows he is truly humble and decent person.
I have the honor of knowing Jehangir Khan personally….The King Khan is not only King of Squash but I would say probably the only Celebrity of such caliber who is humble (down to earth)…he has taken this from his parents….what a noble family….What a man….I didn’t have contact with him for the last few years…but I tell you in a nut shell he is a true champion and in my view he cannot be compared to any sportsman of this country who has single handedly held the GREEN FLAG high in every corner of the world……….PRIDE OF PAKISTAN….In my view if a book is written “100 great sportsman in the World history” then he should be occupying a good position…..I totally agree he is a living legend and probably you cant compare him with any other….LONG LIVE PAKISTAN……LONG LIVE JEHANGIR KHAN
Well said…..the article is really well-written too :)
A class apart, both on and off the court.
Nice words for a great player.