ISLAMABAD: The World Squash Federation (WSF) has said the world just lost the greatest player of all time in the likes of Pakistan legend late Hashim Khan, saying we are now left with memories of a great champion who made a superb contribution to the game of squash.

In his condolence message, WSF president Narayana Ramachandran said Hashim was going to be remembered for his sportsmanship and for what a wonderful man he was.

Ramachandran said Hashim’s passing had taken somebody so special from us. “As we remember him we send our condolences and best wishes to his family at this very sad time,” WSF chief said.

Hashim, the father figure of modern squash, passed away just a month after celebrating his 100th birthday. He was born near Peshawar on July 1, 1914. Hashim led his country’s pre-eminent status in the sport during the 20th century. In the 1950s he won a then record seven British Open titles, his first in 1951 at an age when most players usually retire.

He moved to the US in the 1960s and died at his home in Colorado on Monday night.

He had been based at the Denver Athletic Club and was still dispensing advice from the gallery after he finally hung up his rackets aged 93.

Hashim had a total of 12 children. His eldest son Sharif Khan became a player on the North American hardball squash circuit in the 1970s, winning a record 12 North American Open titles.

Six other sons also became hardball squash players.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2014