Jansher Khan

Jansher Khan PP SI HI NI (Pashto: جان شیر خان; born 15 June 1969) is a former Pakistani professional squash player. During his career, he won the World Open eight times and the British Open six times. He was the world's number-one-ranked player from January 1988 to January 1998. He was unbeaten for 81 matches from 1990 to 1996; one of the longest unbeaten runs in professional squash history.

Career Khan's professional career began in 1986, when he won the World Junior Squash Championships in Australia at the age of 16. He challenged the dominance of fellow Pakistani Jahangir Khan, who had been undefeated for the previous five years. His first major senior title was the Hong Kong Open in 1987. That same year, he won his first World Open Title, defeating Australia's Chris Dittmar in the finals. Early in his career, Khan was affiliated with the Pakistan Air Force.

Jansher Khan's main rival was Jahangir Khan. Between 1986 and 1991, they collectively won 14 World Open and 16 British Open titles. Of the 36 tournament matches between them, Jansher won 19 and Jahangir won 17. + Head-to-head results vs. Jahangir Khan Year Total Matches Won by Jansher Khan Won by Jahangir Khan 1986 1 0 1 1987 11 7 4 1988 8 3 5 1989 9 2 7 1990 5 5 0 1991 2 2 0 Total 36 19 17

Khan retired from professional squash in 2001, citing burnout and injuries.

Post-retirement

Health In late 2011, Khan was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In 2020, after suffering from severe back pain, he underwent two successful back surgeries at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan. Upon his appointment, he stated, "I will do my best to fill the gap created in the game of squash and make the country a new world champion." Pride of Performance awarded by the President of Pakistan in 1988 Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) awarded by the President of Pakistan in 1993

Major finals

World Open

British Open

Hong Kong Open

Pakistan Open

World Super Series Finals Outcome Year Location Opponent in the final Score in the finalWinner 1993 Zürich, Switzerland Chris Dittmar 15–10, 10–15, 15–13, 15–8 1994 Peter Marshall 8–15, 15–8, 15–7, 15–9 1997 Hatfield, England Brett Martin 9–7, 9–5, 9–2 1998 Simon Parke 15–12, 13–15, 15–11, 15–10