Squash legend Jahangir Khan reflects on overcoming health struggles and dominating the sport

Legendary squash champion Jahangir Khan reflected on the challenges he faced growing up, including his early health problems and the tragic loss of his brother, Torsam Khan.

“I faced numerous health issues after birth, including hernia and hearing problems. I didn’t start speaking until I was 8,” Jahangir shared in a podcast with CEO and founder Nukta Kamran Khan.

Despite these obstacles, his mother believed in his potential, using traditional remedies to restore his health and nurturing his passion for sports.

Jahangir underwent two hernia surgeries, one at age 5 and another at 12. By age 10, he started playing squash at a local club. His first exposure to the game came when his father gave him a small racket and ball as a toy.

The Pakistan Navy also played a crucial role in his development, providing the facility where his father coached, which is now the Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Club.

His talent was evident early on. “At 14, I became Pakistan’s Under-19 Junior Champion,” Jahangir recounted. This victory earned him a spot on the national junior team, leading him to compete in World Junior finals in Sweden and England.

At 15, he won the World Amateur Championship, which Jahangir described as the turning point of his career. “Even today, when I watch the video of that match, it gives me chills,” he said.

Battling with brother's loss

The sudden passing of his brother, Torsam, was a devastating blow. Torsam had been a mentor and confidant, telling Jahangir just a day before his death that he was considering retiring to focus on Jahangir’s development.

In the months following Torsam’s funeral, Jahangir contemplated quitting the sport entirely. But his father urged him to honor his brother’s memory by continuing to play. Motivated by this, Jahangir committed himself to intense training—eight hours a day, often starting at 5 a.m., running 10 miles daily, and drilling with his coach, Rahmat Khan.

“My brother’s presence always gave me strength,” Jahangir said. By the age of 17, he was taking on squash legends like Qamar Zaman and Geoff Hunt.

'Squash yet to receive govt support'

Reflecting on his rivalry with players like Jansher Khan, Jahangir remarked, “From 1982 to 1998, Jansher Khan and I ruled the squash world.” Despite fierce competition, he cherished his victories over opponents like Geoff Hunt and Jansher, acknowledging their exceptional talent.

However, Jahangir also voiced concerns about the future of squash in Pakistan. “Squash has never received the level of support from the government that it deserved. All the champions emerged through their own efforts,” he said, emphasizing that without proper backing and expertise, the sport will continue to struggle.