Here, Hashim discusses a popular never-ending debate (argument!) among squash enthusiasts – Who is the greatest ever squash player? His answer is somewhat predictable, his logic makes sense, so it’s difficult to argue his point.
However, keep in mind this was written in 1985, so there were many ‘future’ champions yet to establish themselves. Hashim doesn’t even mention Jahangir Khan who was in the middle of his incredible 555 match win-streak at the time and his name is always leading any discussion on this topic. Then Jansher Khan arrived on the scene in 1986 to continue the ‘Khan’ dynasty and dominance of the game. And more recently, the names of Jon Power, Peter Nicol, David Palmer have all made cases for themselves.
It is impossible to compare eras. You can base it on records and titles won, but the sport evolves, the depth of competition increases, there are many factors to take into account. One thing you cannot argue about is that Hashim Khan belongs on that list – and close to the top of it.
Hashim mentions Geoff Hunt on these pages (he spells it ‘Jeff’). I was coached by Geoff Hunt at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) back in 1988-1989. Geoff – along with Jonah Barrington – changed the fitness component of the sport in their days of supremacy (mainly the 70’s). They raised the fitness level bar to extraordinary heights and were known to physically (and mentally) destroy their opponents by keeping them on court for as long as possible. Geoff pushed that philosophy onto us - I remember (vividly) having to run 440’s at 6.30am three times a week and do a 6-10 mile run on the other 3 days (Sunday was rest day… gee, thanks!). That’s in addition to the mid-morning and afternoon squash sessions. Needless to say, we were pretty fit – and loved Sundays.
