Jahangir Khan facts for kids
Jahangir Khan at the 2018 Asian Awards
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| Nickname(s) | JK | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Country | Pakistan | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 10 December 1963 |
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| Retired | 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Racquet used | Unsquashable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Men's singles | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Highest ranking | No. 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| World Open | W (1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1988) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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| 1st Emeritus President of the World Squash Federation |
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| Assumed office 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Post created | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7th President of the World Squash Federation |
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| In office 2002–2008 |
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| Preceded by |  Susie Simcock |
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| Succeeded by |  Narayana Ramachandran |
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| Last updated on: 28 April 2020. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jahangir Khan (born 10 December 1963) is a famous former professional squash player from Pakistan. Many people think he is the greatest squash player ever. He won the World Open six times and the British Open an amazing ten times in a row from 1982 to 1991.
One of his most incredible achievements was staying unbeaten for five years, from 1981 to 1986. During this time, he won 555 matches in a row! This is the longest winning streak by any athlete in a top-level professional sport, according to Guinness World Records. After he stopped playing in 1993, he became the President of the World Squash Federation from 2002 to 2008.
Contents
Who is Jahangir Khan?
His Early Life and Family
Jahangir Khan was born on 10 December 1963 in Karachi, Pakistan. His family comes from a small village called Nawan Kalli, near Peshawar.
He grew up in a family of squash players. His father, Roshan Khan, won the British Open in 1957. His older brother, Torsam Khan, was also a top international squash player.
Jahangir's family has many talented members. His nieces include Natasha Khan, a British singer known as Bat for Lashes, and Maria Khan, a professional footballer for the Pakistan women's national football team.
Becoming a Squash Legend
Jahangir first learned squash from his father, Roshan. Later, his brother Torsam became his coach. After Torsam's sudden death, his cousin Rehmat took over as his coach. Rehmat helped guide Jahangir through most of his amazing career.
In 1979, when Jahangir was just 15, he wasn't chosen for the world championships. But he decided to enter the World Amateur Individual Championship on his own. He won, becoming the youngest person ever to win that event!
A sad event happened in November 1979. His brother Torsam died suddenly during a match in Australia. This was a very difficult time for Jahangir. He thought about quitting squash, but instead, he decided to keep playing as a way to honor his brother's memory.
The Unbeatable Streak
Jahangir Khan's most famous achievement is his incredible winning streak. From 1981 to 1986, he did not lose a single match. He won 555 matches in a row, which is a record in professional sports! This streak showed how dominant he was in the world of squash.
Winning Major Titles
Jahangir won the World Open six times: in 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1988. He also won the British Open ten times in a row, from 1982 to 1991. These wins made him a true legend in the sport.
Life After Playing Squash
Jahangir Khan stopped playing squash professionally in 1993. Even after retiring, he continued to be involved in the sport. He served as the President of the World Squash Federation from 2002 to 2008. After that, he became the Emeritus President of the World Squash Federation, continuing to support the sport.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Jahangir Khan has received many honors for his incredible achievements:
- 1981 – He became the youngest winner of the World Open at just 17 years old.
- 1984 – The Government of Pakistan honored him by featuring him on a postage stamp.
- 1999 – He received the Sport and Youth Award from the French Government.
- 2005 – Time Magazine named him one of Asia's Heroes from the last 60 years.
- 2007 – He was given an honorary Doctorate of Philosophy degree by London Metropolitan University.
- 2017 – The Government of Japan featured him on a special commemorative stamp.
- 2018 – He won the 8th Asian Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sport.
- 2023 – He received the Nishan-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan's highest civilian awards.
Helping Others: Philanthropy
Jahangir Khan also uses his fame to help others.
Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF)
In 2018, he became the global President of the Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) in Japan. This foundation was started by former cricketer Shahid Afridi. It works to provide healthcare and education in Pakistan.
Niaz Support
In 2023, Jahangir Khan became a global goodwill ambassador for Niaz Support. This Pakistani group helps people with disabilities by providing them with special wheelchairs.
See also
- List of squash players
- Jansher Khan
- World Open
- British Open Squash Championships
- World Squash Federation
- List of Pakistanis
