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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| Height | 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 December 10, 1963) is a famous former professional squash player from Pakistan. Many people think he is the greatest squash player ever. He is also considered one of Pakistan's best athletes in history.
Jahangir Khan won the World Open title six times. He also won the British Open title ten times in a row, from 1982 to 1991. From 1981 to 1986, he had an amazing winning streak. He won 555 matches in a row, which is the longest winning streak by any athlete in top-level professional sports. This record is even in the Guinness World Records book!
He stopped playing professionally in 1993. After that, he became the President of the World Squash Federation from 2002 to 2008. In 2008, he became the Emeritus President of the World Squash Federation.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Jahangir Khan was born in Karachi, Pakistan, on December 10, 1963. His family comes from a small village called Nawan kalli near Peshawar.
He grew up in the famous Khan squash family. His father, Roshan Khan, won the British Open title in 1957. His older brother was Torsam Khan, who was also a top squash player.
Jahangir Khan has two nieces who are also well-known. Natasha Khan, known as Bat for Lashes, is a British singer. Maria Khan is a professional footballer who plays for the Pakistan women's national football team.
His Amazing Squash Career
Jahangir Khan first learned squash from his father, Roshan. Later, his brother Torsam coached him. After Torsam's sudden death, his cousin Rehmat took over as his coach. Rehmat helped guide Jahangir through most of his successful career.
In 1979, when he was just 15, Jahangir was not chosen for the world championships. But he decided to enter the World Amateur Individual Championship on his own. He won the event, becoming the youngest player ever to do so.
In November 1979, his brother Torsam Khan passed away suddenly. This happened during a match in Australia. Torsam's death was very hard for Jahangir. He thought about quitting squash, but instead, he decided to keep playing as a way to honor his brother.
He retired from playing squash in 1993. Later, he served as the President of the World Squash Federation from 2002 to 2008. After that, he became the Emeritus President of the federation.
World Open Final Matches
Jahangir Khan played in many World Open finals. Here are his wins and runner-up finishes:
| Wins (6) | ||
| Year | Opponent in final | Score in final |
| 1981 | Geoff Hunt | 7–9, 9–1, 9–2, 9–2 |
| 1982 | Dean Williams | 9–2, 6–9, 9–1, 9–1 |
| 1983 | Chris Dittmar | 9–3, 9–6, 9–0 |
| 1984 | Qamar Zaman | 9–0, 9–3, 9–4 |
| 1985 | Ross Norman | 9–4, 4–9, 9–5, 9–1 |
| 1988 | Jansher Khan | 9–6, 9–2, 9–2 |
| Runner-up (3) | ||
| Year | Opponent in final | Score in final |
| 1986 | Ross Norman | 5–9, 7–9, 9–7, 1–9 |
| 1991 | Rodney Martin | 17–14, 9–15, 4–15, 13–15 |
| 1993 | Jansher Khan | 15–14, 9–15, 5–15, 5–15 |
British Open Final Matches
Jahangir Khan also had incredible success at the British Open. He won this title ten times in a row!
| Wins (10 consecutive) | ||
| Year | Opponent in final | Score in final |
| 1982 | Hiddy Jahan | 9–2, 10–9, 9–3 |
| 1983 | Gamal Awad | 9–2, 9–5, 9–1 |
| 1984 | Qamar Zaman | 9–0, 9–3, 9–5 |
| 1985 | Chris Dittmar | 9–3, 9–2, 9–5 |
| 1986 | Ross Norman | 9–6, 9–4, 9–6 |
| 1987 | Jansher Khan | 9–6, 9–0, 9–5 |
| 1988 | Rodney Martin | 9–2, 9–10, 9–0, 9–1 |
| 1989 | Rodney Martin | 9–2, 3–9, 9–5, 0–9, 9–2 |
| 1990 | Rodney Martin | 9–6, 10–8, 9–1 |
| 1991 | Jansher Khan | 2–9, 9–4, 9–4, 9–0 |
| Runner-up (1) | ||
| Year | Opponent in final | Score in final |
| 1981 | Geoff Hunt | 2–9, 7–9, 9–5, 7–9 |
Awards and Recognitions
Jahangir Khan has received many honors and awards for his amazing career:
- 1981 – He became the youngest winner of the World Open at age 17. He beat Geoff Hunt from Australia in the final.
- 1984 – The Government of Pakistan featured 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 of 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 – The President of Pakistan awarded him the Nishan-i-Imtiaz, a very high civilian honor.
Helping Others
Jahangir Khan also works to help people through different organizations.
Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF)
In 2018, Jahangir Khan became the global President of the Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF). This foundation was started by former cricketer Shahid Afridi. It works to provide healthcare and education in Pakistan.
Niaz Support
In 2023, Jahangir Khan was named a global goodwill ambassador for Niaz Support. This is a Pakistani group that provides special wheelchairs to people with disabilities.
Books About Squash
Jahangir Khan has also written books to share his knowledge of squash:
- Winning Squash, published in 1986. He wrote this with Charles Seely.
- Go and Play Squash : Techniques and Tactics, published in 1992.
- Learn Squash and Racquetball in a Weekend, published in 1993.
See also
- Jansher Khan
- World Open
- British Open Squash Championships
- World Squash Federation
- List of Pakistanis
