Six-time world champion Jahangir of Pakistan in his heydays. - PSA
AS ONE of the most popular sports internationally, squash and squash stars can become international celebrities, especially if they can set records that few – if anyone – can best.
It has been said repeatedly that Jahangir Khan of Pakistan is considered the greatest squash player of all time, having won more than 400 matches in a span of five-and-a-half years from 1981 to 1986.
Is there any truth to this?
Verdict:
TRUE
This is in fact true, and Jahangir's streak lasted until New Zealander Ross Norman ended the legendary Pakistani's run at the World Open final in France in November 1986.
In this regard, Jahangir is said to have won an unparalleled 555 matches in his streak from 1981 to 1986.
The feat is definitely unparalleled in squash as no player has had such unblemished success in the fiercely competitive sport.
However, this has been called into question by the authors of the 2016 book, "Jahangir Khan 555: The Untold Story Behind Squash's Invincible Champion and Sport's Greatest Unbeaten Run” as he has cast doubt on this figure.
Even having said that, authors Rod Gilmour and Alan Thatcher did not dispute the timeframe but said that the real figure could be lower than the often-stated 555 matches.
According to Gilmour and Thathcher, the 555 figure should only be his tournament matches and not including invitational, exhibition and challenge matches and the unbeaten matches could be more than 600.
References
1. https://unsquashable.com/pages/jahangir-khan#:~:text=From%201981%20to%201986%2C%20Jahangir,recorded%20by%20Guinness%20World%20Records.
2. https://sportscentaur.com/squash-world-records-the-definitive-list/
3. https://www.bbc.com/sport/squash/37842362
4. https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1043283/mike-rowbottom-jahangir-khans-sacred-triple-five-winning-run-challenged-and-staunchly-defended
5. https://www.psaworldtour.com/tournaments/norman-talks-ending-khan-s-555-winning-run/
