Born on December 10, 1963, in Karachi, Pakistan, Jahangir Khan emerged as one of the most dominant figures in the history of squash – but his ascendency to the very top of the professional game was as much a triumph of ability as it was a triumph of determination.
Jahangir’s father Roshan Khan was the 1957 British Open champion – breaking the winning streak of Pakistan compatriot and family member Hashim Khan – the first of the Khan dynasty that was to dominate squash for four decades.
Once Roshan’s playing career ended, he remained in Pakistan where he dedicated himself to turning his sons – Jahangir and Tors Am – into world beaters. However, Jahangir was an ill child that suffered from bouts of hernia, as well as various other illnesses, which resulted in him being prevented from playing squash on medial advice due to fears that he would collapse due to the physical exertion.
Tor Sam therefore was the shining star of the family on court, who, under the careful guidance of Roshan, reached a career-high ranking of World No. 13 and was elected President of the International Squash Players Association.
Jahangir needed to have surgical intervention to correct his hernia, undergoing his first procedure at the age of five years. Despite the medical advice, he started playing squash aged eight under the watchful eye of his father – who identified that he had the potential and determination to succeed.
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