High Commission for Pakistan
Canberra
Press Release
Jansher Khan Canberra Open 2023 Launched at the High Commission for Pakistan, Canberra
The High Commission for Pakistan in Canberra, in partnership with Squash ACT, has launched Jansher Khan Canberra Open 2023.
The Jansher Khan Canberra Open 2023 is an important event on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) calendar, featuring a prize money of USD $12,000. The tournament is scheduled to take place at the Woden Squash Centre in Canberra, Australia from 23rd to the 27th of August, 2023. The tournament is set to feature 24 top-rated male and 16 top-rated female professional squash players from across the globe.
The tournament is named after the esteemed Pakistani squash player, Jansher Khan. A legend in the sport, Jansher Khan secured an impressive record of eight World Open titles and six British Open titles. He also held the distinction of winning the World Super Series and setting a Guinness World Record. Because of his exceptional speed, Jansher Khan is known as “the fastest man in squash”.
To officially commence the Jansher Khan Canberra Open 2023, a ceremony was held at the High Commission for Pakistan, Canberra.
Speaking on the occasion, High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri expressed his gratitude towards the organizers, sponsors, and the participating players. He took the opportunity to highlight the rich history of Pakistani dominance in the realm of squash, noting that this journey began with Hashim Khan, who secured Pakistan’s first British Open title in 1951. The High Commissioner highlighted Pakistan’s golden era in the 1980s and 1990s, led by the reigns of Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan. In the span from 1950 to 1997, Pakistan triumphantly accumulated more than 30 British Open titles, 14 World Open titles, and numerous other Professional Squash Association (PSA) professional titles.
The High Commissioner proudly shared the news of Pakistan’s resurgence in squash, marked by Hamza Khan’s victory as the WSF World Junior Squash Champion, ending a 37-year wait for this significant achievement.
Former President of Squash ACT Michael Nuttall lauded the High Commission for its commendable efforts in advancing the sport of squash.
The event was attended by representatives from Squash ACT, sponsors, event volunteers, international players, and members of the media.
Canberra
23 August 2023
