Squash and Qamar Zaman

Qamar Zaman is remembered as one of the most naturally gifted and expressive players in the history of squash, a figure whose style brought elegance and excitement to the court at a time when the sport was evolving into a more physically demanding contest. Today, long after his competitive career has ended, Qamar Zaman remains closely connected to the game in Pakistan. He continues to work with young players, particularly in Peshawar, where he trains and mentors emerging talent. His daily involvement includes coaching sessions, technical guidance, and sharing his experience with the next generation. He is also active beyond Pakistan, participating in international squash events, exhibitions, and veteran competitions, where former greats gather to promote the sport globally. Through these appearances, he helps keep the legacy of classic squash alive while maintaining connections with players from different eras and countries.

Born in 1952 in Peshawar, Qamar Zaman grew up in a city where squash was deeply rooted in the culture. From a young age, he displayed remarkable coordination and instinctive skill. Without the benefits of modern facilities, his development relied on repetition, observation, and determination. These early conditions shaped a player who relied more on touch, timing, and awareness than on structured systems or scientific training.

As he entered the international squash circuit in the 1970s, Qamar Zaman quickly became known not just in Pakistan but across the world. He traveled extensively, competing in tournaments in the United Kingdom, Australia, and other major squash centers. His participation in international competitions exposed him to a wide variety of playing styles, from the disciplined, fitness-based approach of Australian players to the tactical precision of British competitors.

One of the defining aspects of his international involvement was his rivalry and competition with top global players of his time. He frequently faced Geoff Hunt, one of the most dominant figures of the era. Their matches represented a clash of styles—Qamar Zaman’s attacking flair against Hunt’s endurance and structure. These encounters were often intense and physically demanding, highlighting the changing nature of squash. Qamar Zaman also competed against players like Jonah Barrington, whose emphasis on fitness and discipline helped redefine the sport. Playing against such opponents pushed him to adapt and refine his own game, even as he maintained his natural attacking instincts.

His victory at the British Open Squash Championships in 1975 stands as a landmark achievement in his international career. This tournament brought together the best players from around the world, and winning it placed him among the elite of global squash. In the same year, he reached the final of the World Open Squash Championship, further demonstrating his ability to compete consistently at the highest level against international opposition.