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.
