From silence to spotlight: Sana Bahadur’s unstoppable journey

In a world where voices are often the loudest measure of success, 19-year-old Sana Bahadur from Peshawar is quietly redefining what it means to be a champion. Born deaf and mute, Sana has risen through the ranks of squash to become a shining star — not just in Pakistan, but on international courts as well.

Her journey, though steeped in struggle, is a beacon of resilience. Three of the five siblings in her family live with hearing and speech impairments, yet their determination speaks volumes.

Her father, Sher Bahadur, remembers the early days filled with uncertainty:

"When we discovered Sana’s condition, we were devastated. We didn’t know what the future would hold. But we kept faith in Allah — and He paved the way."

That way led to Umeed Special Education School, where Sana first began to find her rhythm. It was at the legendary Hashim Khan Squash Complex where destiny took a powerful turn. A chance meeting with squash icon Qamar Zaman became a turning point.

"Bring her to the court," Zaman urged. "Squash doesn’t need words — it needs heart, focus, and grit."

Unmatched tenacity

Sana embraced the sport with unmatched tenacity. She picked up a racket in 2016, she had already captured gold at the KP Under-23 Games. What followed was a stunning rise — gold medals at the Inter-Provincial Games, Quaid-e-Azam Games, Under-21 Games, the Combaxx Roshan Khan Tournament, and the 34th National Games. In 2023, she clinched silver at PSA National Junior Squash Championship, standing tall among the nation’s finest.

But her path to glory wasn’t a cakewalk. Training brought its own hurdles. Coach Fahim Gul recalls the initial challenges:

"At first, I couldn’t connect with her. I had to rely on gestures and signs. Whenever there was a gap, her father stepped in to bridge it. But she was determined. Her discipline, punctuality, and fitness put many others to shame."

On the court, Sana plays with instinct and intelligence. She uses visual cues to stay in sync with referees, tracks the points herself, and even reads score updates from TV screens — all while staying laser-focused on her game. Her silence has never been a weakness. In fact, it's her strength.

Sana Bahadur having a conversation with coach Fahim Gul and father Sher BahadurSher Bahadur

What truly sets Sana apart is her spirit to inspire. She’s not just playing for medals — she’s playing for visibility. For inclusion. For change.

"If society supports individuals like Sana," her father says, "then there's really no such thing as ‘normal’ or ‘special’. They just express themselves differently — but they’re equally capable, equally strong."

Now, Sana wants to open doors for others like her — young people with disabilities who dream of shining on their own stage. Through her story, she hopes to ignite a movement — one where ability, not disability, defines an athlete.

Sana Bahadur isn’t just a squash player. She is a silent warrior. A symbol of hope. Proof that true champions don't always need words — their actions echo louder.