The name Jahangir Khan (born 1963) will strike fear in opponents who played against him. Jahangir was a former professional Pakistani squash player. He won the World Open title six times, and the British Open title ten times (1982–1991). Jahangir was widely regarded as the greatest squash player of all time, and one of the greatest sportsmen in Pakistan’s history. From 1981 to 1986, Khan was unbeaten and during that time won 555 consecutive matches – the longest winning streak by any athlete in top-level professional sport as recorded by Guinness World Records. He retired as a player in 1993. In September 1986, during his heydays, this great squash player visited and conducted a squash clinic in RSGC. RSGC was the envy of everyone in attracting a player of Jahangir’s status to come to RSGC.
Rain or shine, squash can be played irrespective of weather
Squash in RSGC was a formidable sport in the Club once upon a time. The Club had many prominent squash players then, many of whom represented the nation. For some reason, squash in recent times took a back seat. This was evident as one of our squash courts was converted to storage to maximise the utilisation of space. Until today, squash has been largely inactive save for a small handful of players using our remaining squash court. However, it is by no means a sunset sport as evident from activities around the country. Squash in many clubs around the country is actually a thriving sport.
At a recent inter-club event, I was asked if RSGC would like to have a friendly squash game. Embarrassingly, I had to turn down the offer as we just did not have enough players to form a team, let alone a formidable team.
Starting them young
Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM), the governing body for squash in Malaysia has been an active promoter of the game from the grassroots to senior level. Our very own member, Major (R) S. Maniam is currently the Director of Coaching at SRAM. Major Maniam was himself a national squash champion and helped groom players like Nicol David, Ong Beng Hee and Mohd Azlan Iskandar among others.
With Major Maniam’s wealth of experience, I tapped on his expertise and the expertise of another member Shahril Hamzah, to help reinvigorate squash at RSGC. Our plans for the coming weeks include coaching clinics, junior development program, introducing a squash ladder and new variations to the game (eg Squash 57).
Sharil Hamzah with Sharon Wee (ex national player) at RSGC court
But first, we need to gather all our members who are active players and bring them back to play squash at RSGC. Whilst we provide the platform and tools to achieve the objectives, it can only be successful if members come together to show support and join the activities that the club organises for squash. So, watch this space for squash-related news. And let’s bring back the glory days of squash at RSGC!
If you wish to be part of the squash community, please leave your details with the Sports Department which is reachable at 03-9206 3245/3330 or by email at sports@rsgc.com.my
