KARACHI: Tributes poured in on Tuesday, a day after Hashim Khan – the founder of Pakistan’s squash empire – passed away in USA. Pakistan legend Jahangir Khan termed the death of Hashim Khan a big loss to both the country and his family and said Hashim played squash at difficult times and helped Pakistan earn a big reputation in it. Jahangir told ‘The News’ that Hashim did a great job for the country by giving it a name through squash. “Hashim gave Pakistan an identity by winning international events and it was the time when Pakistan just got independence. It was his contribution that let his other family members especially Roshan Khan and Azam Khan join him in earning accolades for Pakistan through squash.” Jahangir added that Hashim’s great success the paved way for him and Jansher Khan. “I urge that the government and squash federation of the country come forward and do something concrete in the memory of Hashim,” said Jahangir. Former British Open champion Qamar Zaman said this is really sad that our hero and the person who showed us path in squash has left us. “We prayed for him today. The squash fraternity of the country gathered today in Peshawar to pay tribute to our legend,” Qamar said. He added that he was a great fan of the seven-time British Open champion and used to act as Hashim Khan while playing squash during his childhood. World Squash Federation N Ramachandran said: “After a wonderfully long and active life we are now left with memories of a great champion, a great man who has made a wonderful contribution to squash. Hashim’s passing has taken somebody so special from us. As we remember him we send our condolences and best wishes to his family at this very sad time.” Meanwhile, squash legends, officials, and players on Tuesday in Peshawar offered Fateha for Hashim Khan. A special gathering in this regard will also be arranged at Hashim’s birthplace Nawakilli, while Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) has announced that it would dedicate the PSA international event being held in Peshawar to Hashim Khan.
