Squash legend Jahangir honoured

LAHORE: Record-breaking squash player Jahangir Khan, who won 555 consecutive competitive matches, joined the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Mutiah Muralitharan and MS Dhoni in receiving the honour of outstanding Achievement in Sport Award.

According to information available here the ceremony of 8th edition of the Achievement in Sport Award (Asian Awards) was held in London the other day. The Asian Awards is a pioneering event that honours some of the world’s most outstanding and highest achieving individuals and has quickly evolved into the most prestigious global acknowledgement of pan-Asian success across all walks of life, emphasising inspiring accomplishments and highlighting international role models in different fields.

This year the Asian Awards honoured Jahangir Khan with the Outstanding Achievement in Sport Award. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Jahangir Khan became World Amateur Squash Champion at the age of just 15 years and it was just the start of a record-breaking professional career. Khan’s career reads like a record book. He became the youngest ever World Open champion at 17, going on to win the title total of six times; he won the prestigious British Open a record 10 times; he played the second longest match in squash history and was unbeaten in 555 consecutive matches over 5 years and 8 months. In the words of Time Magazine, “if winning is everything, then Khan is the greatest.”

Paul Sagoo, Founder of The Asian Awards, said: “The Asian Awards is an event which honours exceptional individuals who have captured the attention of the world. The achievements of Jahangir Khan are a true marvel in sporting history. Jahangir dominated the game of Squash in the 1980’s and his legacy is one which will be remembered for decades to come. An incredible unbeaten run of 555 matches is a feat which any professional athlete in the world would find tough to match, with countless titles to add. We are delighted to welcome Jahangir Khan to the 8th Asian Awards to celebrate his illustrious career and honour him with the Outstanding Achievement in Sport Award.”

The Outstanding Achievement in Sport Award has previously been won by legendary cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Mutiah Muralitharan, MS Dhoni and Kumar Sangakkara as well as Premier League footballer Son Heung-Min and world snooker champion Ding Junhui.The Asian Awards was founded in 2010 to celebrate the outstanding achievements and excellence of pan-Asians across the globe.