Pakistan’s squash legacy dates back to the period 1951, a time when the newly-born country had no squash infrastructure worth the name, except for a few very expensive squash courts established by the British, and some services clubs, the membership of which was only open to the elite.
Under such circumstances, the sudden rise of the legendary Hashim Khan and his nephew Roshan Khan to super stardom appears straight out of a storybook. Let’s be a little nostalgic and delve a bit on the fantastic achievements of these great superstars.
The story of Hashim Khan in particular is pretty unique, and one that should be known by aspiring sportsmen and women of our current generation. It is particularly relevant in the context of the low budget and priority usually assigned to promotion of sports related activities in our country.
Hashim Khan came from a humble background. But squash was his passion. He worked as a ball boy and often played barefoot on makeshift courts as he did not have the resources to buy sportswear or acquire professional training. Yet he persevered in pursuit of his passion. Lots of youngsters would have given up under his circumstances. But he was special. He had the willpower, resilience and determination to follow his dream and transform it into reality, against adversity, including extreme financial challenges that he faced, and lack of sponsor support. It is true that his employers, the Pakistan Air Force did provide him the air ticket, but according to informed sources, even the shoes were lent to him by his Air Force colleague, and that he had barely any money in his pocket when he landed in the UK. He won the 1951 British Open in his first attempt, from where his fortunes and fame skyrocketed.
From then on there was no turning back. He went on to win six consecutive British Open titles until 1957 when he was defeated in the British Open finals by none other than his own nephew Roshan Khan.
By then, Pakistan had already completely dominated the squash arena. An all Pakistani semi-final British Open. Indeed a rare achievement In the 1957 British Open tournament, the top four semi-finalist players were all Pakistani nationals, and all from the Khan’s dynasty. This feat (of semi-finalists being from the same country) is indeed an extremely rare one, never achieved again at the British Open Individual men’s events. The semi-finalists in the 1957 tournament were: Roshan Khan, Hashim Khan, Azam Khan and Mo Khan. Roshin Khan showcased his exceptional talent in the finals by dislodging the six consecutive times winner Hashim Khan. However, Hashim Khan did come back once again in next year’s (1958) British Open by winning the final against fellow Pakistani Azam Khan. The 1958 win by Hashim Khan marked the end of a supreme reign of the great legend. However, the exit of Hashim Khan from the scene did not break the Khan dynasty’s relentless grip on the British Open tournament. Players like Azam Khan who won the next British Open tournament in 1959, followed by subsequent wins from 1961 to 1964, ensured continued dominance of Pakistan in squash at the highest international level.
The sudden emergence of Pakistan as a squash powerhouse was even more remarkable and astonishing for the international sporting community, given the fact that the country had at the time an almost non-existent infrastructure or training facilities, whereas, in total contrast, Great Britain had a well established squash infrastructure since 1900 onwards, with top ranked training facilities and coaches, well established sports clubs and extensive exposure to international competitions, attracting top players from around the world. Against this backdrop, the achievement by the Pakistan players was even more staggering, showcasing their exceptional talent and resilience. The sudden emergence of Pakistan as a squash powerhouse in the 50s and 60s was very timely as it established the international stature of this newly born country, besides promoting national pride and inspiring other youngsters to follow suit. The major successes at the British Open provided an excellent platform for new names from Pakistan to emerge on the squash arena.
One such name was Qamar Zaman who brought laurels to Pakistan by winning the 1975 British Open title, the 1979 World Masters title, and the International Players Championship in 1977 and again in 1979.
The best was however yet to come. The squash fans could not ever imagine what was going to hit them next. Two players from Pakistan suddenly emerged on the scene to rule the world of squash like never before. Jahangir Khan (the invincible) and Jansher Khan (the conqueror), each with his unique style mesmerised the audiences worldwide with their super performances. They had their own unique styles, Jahangir with a perfect defense and endurance, and Jansher with his aggressive power play captivated audiences for ten long years.
They often got to play each other in semis and finals of international tournaments, and when that happened, it was a real treat to watch. The fights were thrilling, and intense, and were often dubbed by the media as the “Battle of the Kings” or “The Clash of the Titans”. Altogether, they rivaled each other 36 times in international tournaments, out of which Jansher got the slight edge of winning 19-17.
In terms of individual records, Jahangir won 10 British Open titles, 6 World Open titles, and the famous 555-match unbeaten streak (1981-1986) whereas his younger rival Janhsher won 6 British Open titles, 8 World Open titles, and was World No. 1 for 10 years (1988-1998).
The last tournament that Jansher won was the 1997 World Series Finals after which he announced his retirement from professional squash.
Since then Pakistan had undergone a lean period, with no major squash titles under its belt. Recent notable achievements by Pakistani players (for Men):
Credit goes to the young Humza Khan who ended the drought period and generated hope of reviving squash by winning the 2023 World Junior Squash Championship title held in Melbourne, Australia. He also went on to win the Boy’s Under-19 Asian Junior Squash Championship held in Islamabad in June 2024.
Noor Zaman of Pakistan who won the 2025 Under-23 World Squash Championship by defeating Egypt in the finals held at Karachi. Squash runs in his family. He is the grandson of former champion Qamar Zaman. He is currently ranked No 37 in the PSA World Ranking.
Mohammad Asim Khan who won his first PSA World Tour title (bronze level) at the Charlottesville Open (2024),
Recent notable achievements by Pakistani players (for Ladies): Pakistan ladies have also been making waves in squash. In the same event where Noor Zaman won the laurels for Pakistan, our lady squash player Amna Fayyaz also made her mark by being declared as the silver medallist in the WSF 2025 Under-23 World Squash Championship (in the Plate Event category). Her highest ranking is #86 in the 2021 PSA World Rankings (the highest PSA World Squash Ranking ever achieved by a Pakistani woman player is held by Maria Wazir, who reached a world ranking of No 41 in the year 2012). Indeed, Amna Fayyaz and others like her are a beacon of hope, a silver lining to the cloud for gender inclusivity in Pakistan sports.
Mehwish Ali: She is the first Pakistani female player to feature at the World Junior Squash Championships and has won multiple gold medals, including the Australian Junior Open (U-17).
In conclusion, the notable recent performances by our youngsters is a beacon of hope for the revival of squash in the country.
It showcases the talent, prowess and resilience streak passed on from the seniors to their youngsters, traits which once were a hallmark of Pakistan’s supremacy and invincibility in squash at the highest international level.
Pakistan has the talent to make a comeback in squash. The need of the hour is to prioritise squash.
The onus is upon all stakeholders including the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) under patronage of the PAF, sponsors and players of past glory and policy-makers to work collectively for putting Pakistan once again back at the pinnacle of the world of squash where it once belonged.
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