| Author: |
Dicky Rutnagur |
| Publisher: |
Oxford |
Description:
A classic covering the history of Squash in Pakistan. A world leader in this game, Pakistan has produced great champions one after the other. Dicky Rutangar, a world class sports writer himself has done a splendid job of covering the game and the legends behind it The book follows the mighty Khans of Pakistan, from Hashim Khan to Jahangir Khan, who with their courage, determination and skill have put Pakistan on the sporting map of the world. An essential collection for all the sports aficionados.
Review:
Dicky Rutnagar, working for The Telegraph (UK) has had the privilege of accompanying Squash’s greats, as a sports writer and a friend, to many different parts of the world. He presents extra-ordinary facts about the Khans, many a times coming straight from the horses mouth, for the reader’s pleasure. Further the book covers the contributions made by the Khans in first expanding the game to beyond the British elite and then resurrecting it at a stage when it was on its last legs.
| DesiStore # |
PBH00789 |
| ISBN |
0-19-577805-7 |
| Edition |
First |
| Year |
1997 |
| Pages |
214 |
| Weight (kg) |
.665 |
| Shipping Weight (lbs) |
1.69 |
| Pics (color) |
27 |
| Pics (b/w) |
76 |
| HB/PB |
Hard Back |
|
Although betraying a Pathan in looks and physique, The Khans of Nawkille shared the indomitable spirit of the Pathans and against all challenges posed by the demanding game, came out on top. Infact these shortcomings bred certain skills within the already God gifted mental and physical armory of the Khans. The author tells us that Hashim Khan was so short and thin that he had to hold the racket from higher up the grip to support its weight. This proved to be a revelation in technique, as later on he was to become Pakistan’s first World Title holder. Coming from humble beginnings, they had to depend on their natural talent and make their own luck at the game. The products of such struggles were a level of perseverance and resilience that made them the greatest in the game
In the last five decades that have gone by, only a Khan has managed to show a candle to another Khan. Roshan Khan, brother of Hashim and Azam (the then leaders of Squash) won against Azam in the 1954 Dunlop Championship semi-final only to lose against him in the British Open final-the same year. While 1954-55, it was brother vs. brother. The seventies saw father Hashim Khan pit his wits and energy against son Sharif khan in an epic battle and the only occasion when such a combination has taken the court. Jahangir Khan, Squash’s first millionaire, in his peak, had suffered only four defeats including one from Jansher. In fact such was the khans supremacy that in earlier days, Hashim had to practice by himself to increase his speed as none of the opponents could match his speed.
 Dicky Rutnagar has authored a book that for a non-fictional account carries an unusually high pace as experience after experience, Khan after Khan adds his energy to the narration. We read about Hashim, when only in his teens and unknown to the world, challenges a British officer to a game where he concedes a fifty-point lead to the latter. We read about “Operation Geoff Hunt”, code-named by Air Chief Marshal, Malik Nur Khan, where Mohibullah sets out to defeat the then unbeatable Hunt.
This book certainly makes inspirational reading for anyone seeking success and fame when the will is lacking and the opportunities are in short supply.
Khans Unlimited: History of Squash in Pakistan
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