From chance to champion: Journey of Pakistan’s differently-abled squash prodigy

ISLAMABAD: Despite all odds, differently-abled squash player Sana Bahadur remains determined to chase her dream of becoming one of Pakistan’s top players.

Talking to Pakistan TV, Sher Bahadur, Sana’s father, said his daughter’s remarkable journey into squash began purely by chance.

“Sometimes, the most extraordinary journeys begin by accident,” he said. 

“We had gone to visit a school, and there we met someone who took us to the Hashim Khan Squash Complex. Children were playing on the courts, and that’s where Sana and her brother Saifullah saw the game for the first time. They immediately showed interest.”

Encouraged by squash legend Qamar Zaman, the family decided to bring the children to the complex. “From day one, Sana showed an unusual passion. It felt natural as if she was born for this game,” her father recalled proudly.

That spark quickly turned into dedication. Through relentless practice and focus, Sana began to make her mark, showcasing a blend of talent, determination and discipline that set her apart.

Sher Bahadur said competing with top players from Malaysia, Egypt, the US, and Australia has improved her game significantly.

Since she began playing squash a decade ago, Sana has won nearly a dozen national titles while competing internationally in Australia and the United States, where she reached a career-high PSA world ranking of 212.

“We are focusing on her physical training and planning to play more tournaments abroad; maybe in the US or England,” Sher Bahadur said, adding that with continued effort, we will see her among the top 20 or 30 players in the world within the next couple of years.

Behind Sana’s journey lies a family’s faith, sacrifice and belief in her potential. 

Her rise reflects not just personal success but the enduring spirit of Pakistan’s squash legacy — one that still burns bright in the next generation of champions.