John Nimick Remembers Hashim Khan


August 25, 2014

I am fortunate to have known Hashim Khan.  As a kid I became aware of his name.  As a budding player I learned more of his legendary impact on the game and his incredible story.  But as a young professional I began to meet him at tournaments in Toronto and then annually at the Hashim Khan Invitational in Denver for many, many years in a row.

The thing I remember most was the first time we met.  He shook my hand gently and said, "Well hello there John Nimick…you hit ball strong."  As a 25 year old hard ball pro just starting on the Tour I had no idea he even knew my name.

But the more you know or learn about Hashim, the more amazing a figure he becomes…coming from Pakistan at 35 years old on a shoe string budget drummed up by officers at the local RAF base in Peshawar, Pakistan to win his first of seven British Opens.  Having two brothers that also became international champions and British Open rivals and fathering 12 children, with the oldest son Sharif going on to become the greatest champion in North American history while brothers Gulmast, Aziz, Charlie and Sam all battled for titles, too.

As the years went on, I also learned of Hashim's incredible courtesy and hospitality…whether taking you out for for the hottest curry you can imagine or being determined at nearly 95 years old to drive you himself from home to his beloved Denver Athletic Club.  He was as happy sitting with you watching squash as a person could be.

But the best thing was to watch him hit a squash ball.  His stroke was a combination of a waterfall and a sword…a beautiful fluid chopping of the ball always with, yes, "eye on ball".  He never stopped playing, even when his bicep popped, his legs stopped running and sight declined.  He played on.

Thank you, Hashim, for the great history and tradition you created for squash and for the love of the game you exuded every second.








Back To Main