PESHAWAR: Once upon a time, squash in Pakistan was synonymous with dominance. For decades, Peshawar produced legends who ruled the global squash arena.
The city’s players carried Pakistan’s name to the highest podiums, with Roshan Khan, Hashim Khan, Qamar Zaman, Jahangir Khan, and Jansher Khan etching their names in history. But as the years passed, the golden era faded, leaving behind a sport struggling for survival.
From 1950 to 1997, Pakistani players won over 30 British Open titles, dominating the sport for nearly half a century. The reign of Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan cemented Pakistan’s position as an undisputed powerhouse. However, with Jansher Khan’s defeat in 1998, the decline began—one that continues to this day.
Reasons Behind the Decline
Qamar Zaman, the chairman of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Squash Association and a former world champion, believes the decline was inevitable. “Lack of discipline and the inclusion of unqualified players through favoritism have made it impossible to maintain Pakistan’s legacy at the international level,” he says.
Despite the millions spent on building squash courts across the country, true talent failed to emerge, leaving the courts underutilized and Pakistan without champions. “We had fewer facilities back then, yet our players dominated. Now, we have everything, but the commitment is missing,” Zaman adds.
According to him, young athletes today are more absorbed in mobile screens than serious training. “How can a player who stays up until 2 a.m. on their phone wake up early for practice?” he asks. The discipline, hunger, and resilience that once defined squash in Pakistan seem to have faded.
Efforts to Revive Squash in Pakistan
Despite the challenges, efforts are underway to revive the sport. The Pakistan Squash Federation, under Qamar Zaman’s leadership, has rolled out an extensive annual calendar with 24 tournaments, including 12 national and 12 provincial competitions. Most events will take place in Peshawar, with additional tournaments in Abbottabad, Kohat, Bannu, Mansehra, and other cities. The aim is clear: to reignite the passion for squash and reclaim Pakistan’s lost standing.
Prize money has been allocated to encourage participation, with major championships offering significant rewards. From the All Pakistan Junior Boys Squash Championship to the PSA International Men’s Senior Squash Championship, the tournaments will provide young players with exposure and opportunities. Additionally, a structured training regimen—including physical conditioning, dietary plans, and intensive court practice—has been introduced to ensure player development.
Grassroots Development: A Path Forward
A key focus of the revival plan is grassroots development. Schools are being engaged to identify young talent, and inter-school championships have been incorporated into the annual schedule. “We are seeing the construction of squash courts in educational institutions, which is a positive sign,” Zaman says. “If nurtured properly, we can produce another world-class champion.”
However, challenges remain. The absence of a dedicated squash complex in Peshawar is a major hurdle for aspiring athletes from smaller towns. Many talented players from remote areas struggle to access proper training facilities. “If we want to bring back the glory of squash in Pakistan, we need a world-class training facility in Peshawar,” Zaman emphasizes.
Can Pakistan regain its dominance?
Despite the setbacks, hope persists. The upcoming tournaments, increased focus on junior players, and investment in infrastructure signal a step toward recovery. With the right discipline, training, and institutional support, squash in Pakistan may yet rise again—perhaps not to the heights of its golden era, but at least to a position of strength on the global stage.
