I frequently get questions asking “who is Hashim Khan?”
His name persists around The DAC in our Trophy Room, our squash exhibition court, and of course, the annual Hashim Khan Tournament, and I wanted to provide a brief history to acknowledge his incredible contributions to the sport of squash and your Club.
Hashim Khan was born in Pakistan in approximately 1914 (his own best guess). He emerged from humble beginnings, and got his first taste of squash serving as an unpaid ball boy at a squash club for British army officers. Once the officers would leave, the ball boys would take to the courts to play. As he grew older Khan would become a squash coach for the British Air Force, and would win his first championship in 1944 at approximately 30 years of age.
In 1951 he received sponsorship from the Pakistani government to compete in the British Open, where he defeated the defending champ with scores of 9-5, 9-0, 9-0. Of note, the event was also the first time Khan wore shoes on the court. He would defend his title for the next five consecutive years, including several against his own brother, and ultimately won a staggering seven British Championships.
The Khan family was a squash dynasty in its own right. Of the 41 British Opens held between 1951 and 1991, Khan and his brothers, children, and cousins claimed victory an astounding 23 times, often facing each other in thrilling competitions. The Khan name became synonymous with squash excellence.
In 1960, Hashim Khan ventured to the United States and first landed in Detroit where he was a member of the Detroit Athletic Club and Uptown Athletic Club. In 1973 he found a new home in Denver, and became the Head Squash Pro at The Denver Athletic Club for more than 20 years.
What set Hashim Khan apart was not just his unparalleled skill on the squash court but also his demeanor as a sportsman. Despite being a fierce competitor, Khan was known for his gracious attitude which endeared him to fans and opponents alike. His sportsmanship became an integral part of his legacy, and in Pakistan he is considered a hero and symbol of national pride.
In 2017, Hashim Khan was posthumously inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. In addition, he was recognized as The Denver Athletic Club Athlete of the Century. The legacy of Hashim Khan continues to thrive through the annual Hashim Khan Professional Squash tournament, now in its 43rd year. The tournament attracts the world's top professional squash players, honoring Khan's memory and his contributions to the sport. Beyond the tournament, the Hashim Khan Foundation channels its efforts into the growth of junior squash in Colorado, providing financial support to up to 1,000 junior athletes – an initiative inspired by Khan's own challenging upbringing.
The squash courts at the Denver Athletic Club pay homage to Hashim Khan in fitting fashion. The trophy room, aptly named the Hashim Khan Trophy Toom, stands as a testament to his success and that of other great athletes at The DAC. In addition, Court 3, the primary exhibition court, bears his name.