Pakistan's former world champion Jansher Khan has been inducted into the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hall of Fame.
Along with legendary squash player, Malaysian player Nicol David was honored as the newest member of the PSA Hall of Fame, during a special induction evening at the Hong Kong Football Club on Sunday.
Jansher and Nicol are the third and fourth players, respectively, to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, which was launched earlier this year to recognize the achievements of the game's most influential figures, past and present.
Notably, the only two male players inducted into the Hall of Fame are from Pakistan. The first and second members are Jahangir Khan and Susan Devoy from New Zealand.
Pakistani star Jansher has won a record eight World Open titles and six British Open titles.
He played in a career-high 118 finals and won a record 99 titles. He also has the honor of being number one in the world for 97 months throughout his career.
Jansher said he was very happy because Hong Kong was his second home and he played the Hong Kong Open for many years and won eight Hong Kong Opens.
“So Hong Kong is really, for me, the best place. And I'm very happy to come to Hong Kong. [and] See my old friends. “It is an honor to receive this award.”
Speaking on the occasion, PSA chief executive Alex Gough said: “Nicol and Jansher are two of the most iconic figures in the history of squash and both have left a lasting legacy in the sport.
“Nicol inspired many squash players, in Malaysia and around the world, and her record of nine unbroken years at the top of the world rankings will surely never be surpassed. She is a fantastic ambassador for the sport and it was fantastic to see her honored with the title of Deputy Chief of Mission at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this summer.
“Like Nicol, Jansher's name will always be linked to squash and the records he has amassed in the men's sport are incredible. We are pleased to have had the opportunity to celebrate both players.”
Introducing Khan, men's world number one Ali Farag said: “It's a really special moment for me to be here as we honor, in my opinion and many people's, the greatest squash player of all time: Jansher Khan.
“Mr Jansher, on behalf of myself, everyone here in this room and everyone in the squash world and beyond, we would like to thank you for many reasons.
“I have been blessed with many things throughout my squash career, but being compared to you is definitely one of the greatest honors of my career.
“Tonight we celebrate not only his victories, but also the legacy he has built and left behind.”
Farag added his thanks and congratulations to Jansher for his achievements on the court, for inspiring future generations of players, for showing the world “poetry in motion” and for transcending sport.
