Reclaiming the throne: Pakistan’s squash revival | Sports

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Pakistan’s squash legacy dates back to 1951, when the fledgling country had no squash infrastructure to call its name, except for a few very expensive squash courts set up by the British, and a few service clubs, whose membership was open only to the elite.

Under such circumstances, the sudden rise to superstardom of the legendary Hashim Khan and his nephew Roshan Khan looks straight out of a storybook.

Hashim Khan’s story in particular is very unique, and something that should be known by our current generation of aspiring sportsmen and women. This is particularly relevant in the context of the low budget and priority that is usually assigned to promoting 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 because he did not have the resources to buy sportswear or receive professional training. Yet he persevered in pursuing his passion. Many young people would have given up in his situation. But he was special. She had the strength, resilience and determination to follow her dreams and make them a reality, despite facing extreme financial challenges, including a lack of sponsor support. It is true that his employers, the Pakistan Air Force, provided him with an air ticket, but according to informed sources, even the shoes were given to him by his air force mate, and he barely had any money in his pocket when he landed in Britain. He won the 1951 British Open at his first attempt, from where his fortune and fame skyrocketed.

Since then, there has been no turning back. He went on to win six consecutive British Open titles until 1957 when he was beaten in the British Open final by none other than his own nephew Roshan Khan.

By then, Pakistan had already completely dominated the squash arena. In 1957, a rare achievement in the British Open tournament, the lowest Pakistani semi-finalists, the top four semi-finalists were all Pakistani nationals, and all of them were from the Khan family. This feat (of a semi-finalist from the same country) is an extremely rare one indeed, having never been achieved in a British Open individual men’s event. The semi-finalists in the 1957 tournament were: Roshan Khan, Hashim Khan, Azam Khan and Mo Khan. Roshin Khan showcased his exceptional skills in the final by eliminating six-time winner Hashim Khan in a row. However, Hashim Khan returned the following year (1958) at the British Open, once again winning the final against fellow Pakistani Azam Khan. Hashim Khan’s victory in 1958 marked the end of a high position in the great legend. Despite this, Hashim Khan didn’t break out of the scene, when he got out of the scene. Players like Azam Khan, who next won the British Open in 1959, followed by wins from 1961 to 1964, ensuring Pakistan’s continued dominance in squash at the top international level.

Pakistan’s sudden emergence as a squash powerhouse for the international sports community was all the more remarkable and surprising, given the fact that the country had almost non-existent infrastructure or training facilities at the time, whereas, in contrast, Great Britain had a well-established squash infrastructure, with advanced training facilities and well-established training facilities. Well-established sports facilities, along with well-established squash infrastructure, have advanced training facilities and well-established squash infrastructure along with well-established squash infrastructure. The world Against this background, the success of Pakistan’s players was even more remarkable, showing their extraordinary talent and resilience. Pakistan’s sudden emergence as a squash powerhouse in the 50s and 60s was very timely as it established the international stature of the fledgling country, in addition to inspiring other youngsters to develop and inspire other youngsters. Pakistan to emerge in the squash arena.

One such name was Qamar Zaman who won the 1975 British Open title, the 1979 World Masters title, and the International Players Championship in 1977 and again in 1979 and again in 1979 and again in 1979.

The best was yet to come. Squash fans could never have imagined 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 poked fun at their unique style with their unique style. Jaanshar captivated the audience for ten long years with his aggressive power.

They often played each other in the 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 described by the media as a “battle of kings” or a “clash of the titans”. Conversely, they have faced each other 36 times in international tournaments, with Jansher narrowly winning 19–17.

In terms of individual records, Jahangir won 10 British Open titles, 6 World Open titles, and a famous 555-match unbeaten streak (1981–1986) while his younger rival Jansher 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 in the final of the 1997 World Series after which he announced his retirement from professional squash.

Since then, Pakistan has had a lean period, with no major squash titles under its belt. Recent Notable Achievements of Pakistani Sportsmen (Men):

Credit goes to youngster Hamza Khan who ended the drought period and sparked hope of a squash revival by winning the 2023 World Junior Squash Championship title in Melbourne, Australia. He also won the Boy’s Under-19 Asian Junior Squash Championship held in Islamabad in June 2024.

Pakistan’s Noor Zaman won the 2025 Under-23 World Squash Championship by defeating Egypt in the final held in Karachi. Squash runs in its family. He is the grandson of former champion Qamar Zaman. He is currently ranked 37th in the PSA World Rankings.

Mohammad Asim Khan, who won the PSA World Tour title (Bronze Level) at the Charlottesville Open (2024),

Recent notable achievements of Pakistani players (for women): Pakistan women are also making waves in squash. In the same event where Noor Zaman bagged the honor for Pakistan, our lady squash player Amna Fayaz also claimed silver medal in the WSF 2025 Under-23 World Squash Championship (in the plate event category). Her highest ranking is #86 in the 2021 PSA World Ranking (the highest PSA World Squash ranking ever by a Pakistani female player is held by Maria Wazir, who reached a world ranking of #41 in 2012). Indeed, Amna Fayaz and others like her are a beacon of hope, a silver lining to the cloud for gender inclusion in Pakistan sports.

Mahwesh Ali: She is the first Pakistani woman player to feature in the World Junior Squash Championships and has won multiple gold medals including the Australian Junior Open (Under 17).

Finally, the recent performances of our youth is a beacon of hope for the revival of squash in the country.

It showcases the range of talent, ability and resilience from the seniors to their youngsters, once a hallmark of Pakistan’s dominance and invincibility in squash at the top international level.

Pakistan has the potential to make a comeback in squash. The need of the hour is to prioritize squash.

All stakeholders including Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) under the auspices of PAF, players from past glories and policy makers to work collectively to once again return Pakistan to the position of squash world where it once belonged.

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