Pakistani squash legend Jansher Khan was inducted into the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hall of Fame this week, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. The ceremony took place in Hong Kong, as confirmed by the PSA on social media platform X.
Joining Khan in the PSA Hall of Fame is retired Malaysian squash star Nicol David. Together, they became the third and fourth inductees into the PSA Hall of Fame, which was established earlier this year to honor the sport’s most influential figures, both past and present. They join the inaugural inductees, including New Zealand’s Susan Devoy and Pakistani legend Jahangir Khan.
“Congratulations to Nicol David and Jansher Khan,” the PSA said in a social media post, sharing a photo of the two legends receiving their honors ahead of the Hong Kong Squash Open.
A key figure in Pakistan’s squash dominance during the 1980s and 1990s, Jansher Khan won the World Championships a record eight times, an unmatched achievement in the men’s game. He also claimed six British Open titles, contributing to a glittering career. Khan was World No.1 for an impressive 97 months throughout his career and remains the player with the most professional titles, with a total of 99 – the highest of any player since records began.
“I feel very happy… I’m very happy to come to Hong Kong, see my old friends. It’s an honor to get this award,” Khan said in a statement issued by PSA.
Nicol David, regarded as one of the greatest squash players in history, dominated the sport with eight World Championship titles and an unmatched 108-month reign at World No.1. She also claimed five British Open titles and two Commonwealth Games gold medals. Since retiring, David has founded the Nicol David Organization, which is supported by the PSA Foundation as part of its Squash for Development programs. In 2021, she was inducted into the Laureus World Sports Academy, a prestigious group of 69 sporting legends.
“After doing so much in my squash career, you sometimes don’t realize how much you’ve done until the moment when you are given this opportunity to be recognized in a hall of fame,” David said in a PSA statement. “That’s when you go ‘This is it!’ And I feel amazing, it’s such an honor, and I would like to thank PSA for honoring me.”
PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough praised both Khan and David for their lasting impact on the sport. “Nicol and Jansher are two of the most iconic figures in the history of squash and have both left a lasting legacy in the sport,” Gough said. “Nicol inspired so many squash players – in Malaysia and across the globe – and her record of nine unbroken 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 at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this summer.”
“Like Nicol, Jansher’s name will forever be linked to squash, and the records he has amassed across the men’s game are nothing short of incredible. We are pleased to have had the opportunity to celebrate both players.”
This induction into the PSA Hall of Fame solidifies both Jansher Khan and Nicol David’s place among the greatest squash players of all time, celebrating their monumental achievements and contributions to the sport.
