Squash legend Jansher Khan inducted into the PSA Hall of Fame

Pakistan’s former world champion Jansher Khan has been inducted into the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hall of Fame.

Alongside legendary squash player, Malaysian player Nicole David was honored as the newest member of the PSA Hall of Fame during a special induction evening at the Hong Kong Football Club on Sunday.

Jansher and Nicol are the third and fourth players, respectively, to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, which was launched earlier this year to recognize the achievements of the game’s most influential characters, past and present.

It is notable that the only two male players inducted into the Hall of Fame are from Pakistan. The first and second inductees are Jahangir Khan and Susan Devoy of New Zealand.

Pakistani star Jansher has won a record eight World Opens and six British Open titles.

He played a career-high 118 finals while winning a record 99 titles. He also has the honor of being number one in the world for 97 months throughout his career.

Jansher said he felt very happy because Hong Kong was his second home and he played the Hong Kong Open for many years and won eight Hong Kong Opens.

“Well, Hong Kong is really, for me, it’s the best place. And I’m very happy to come to Hong Kong [and] see my old friends It is an honor to receive this award.”

Speaking on the occasion, PSA CEO Alex Gough said: “Nicol and Jansher are two of the most iconic figures in squash history and have both left a lasting legacy on the sport.

“Nicol has inspired so many squash players – in Malaysia and around the world – and her record of nine years at the summit of the world rankings will surely never be bettered. She is a fantastic ambassador for the sport and it was fantastic to see her honored with the title of Deputy Chef de Mission to the Paris 2024 Olympics this summer.

“Like Nicol, Jansher’s name will forever be associated with squash and the records he has amassed in the men’s competition are nothing short of incredible. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to celebrate both players.”

Introducing Khan, Men’s World No1, Ali Farag said: “It’s a really special moment for me to be here as we honor, in my and many people’s opinion, the greatest squash player of all time: Jansher Khan.

“Mr Jansher, from me, from everyone here in this room and from everyone in the squash world and beyond, we would really like to thank you for so many reasons.

“I have been blessed with so many things throughout my squash journey, but being compared to you is definitely one of the biggest honors of my career.

“Tonight, we celebrate not just your victories, but the legacy you’ve built and left behind.”

Farag added his thanks and congratulations to Jansher for his achievements on the field, for inspiring future players for generations, for showing the world “poetry in motion” and for transcending the sport.