Roshan Khan facts for kids

Roshan Khan (Pashto / Urdu: روشن خان}; 26 November 1929 – 6 January 2006) was a famous squash player from Peshawar, Pakistan. He was one of the best players in the world during the early 1960s. He won the important British Open title in 1957.

His son, Jahangir Khan, later became the world's top squash player in the 1980s.

A Champion's Journey

Roshan Khan started his squash career strong. In 1949, he came in second place at the very first Pakistan Open tournament. But he didn't give up! He then won the Pakistan Open three times in a row, from 1951 to 1953.

The British Open was like the world championship for squash players back then. In 1956, Roshan played against another great player, Hashim Khan, in the British Open final. Hashim won that match.

However, Roshan got his chance for revenge the very next year, in 1957. He faced Hashim Khan again in the British Open final. This time, Roshan played amazingly and won the title! This victory ended Hashim's six-year winning streak as champion. Roshan reached the British Open final one more time in 1960, but he lost to Azam Khan.

Roshan also showed his skills in North America. He won the US Open three times and the Canadian Open twice.

A Family of Squash Stars

Roshan Khan came from a Pashtun family in Nawekalli, Peshawar. He had three sons: Torsam Khan, Hassan Khan, and Jahangir Khan. Roshan taught both Torsam and Jahangir how to play squash and helped them become top international players.

Torsam reached a high ranking of World No. 13 in 1979. Sadly, he died suddenly from a heart attack while playing in a tournament in Australia. He was only 27 years old.

After Torsam's death, Jahangir thought about quitting squash. But instead, he decided to keep playing as a way to honor his brother. Jahangir went on to become one of the greatest squash players ever. He won ten British Open titles and six World Open titles. He even had an amazing five-year winning streak where he didn't lose a single match for over 500 games!

Roshan Khan was also related to other famous Pakistani squash players. He was the second cousin of Hashim Khan and Azam Khan. His family was also connected to theirs through marriage.

Awards and Special Recognition

Roshan Khan was honored for his achievements.

• He received the Pride of Performance Award from the President of Pakistan in 1960. This is a very important award in Pakistan.

His Final Days

Roshan Khan passed away on 6 January 2006 in Karachi.