PESHAWAR: Sana Bahadar, a 19-year-old squash prodigy born deaf and unable to speak, is breaking through global arenas with a spirit that refuses to bow to limits. Her journey from the quiet courts of Charsadda to the international stage is reshaping how Pakistan understands disability, ambition and athletic excellence.
Sana communicates through sign language, relying on sharp visual instincts instead of sound. On court, she reads lip movements, studies pace through body language and senses rhythm through pure focus. What she lacks in auditory cues, she replaces with an almost electric intuition that has startled seasoned competitors.
Her rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. Sana has claimed nearly a dozen national junior titles and dominated every age category in Pakistan, earning the top spot each time. Internationally, she reached a PSA ranking of 212, a feat remarkable for any young athlete, but especially striking for one navigating a world built for sound.
Much of her success is intertwined with her father, Sher Bahadar, who has become her interpreter, trainer, travel partner and constant anchor. From running alongside her at dawn to managing tournament logistics across borders, he forms the bridge that connects Sana’s world of silence to the global sports circuit. “If she runs, I run with her,” he says, emphasising a partnership forged through discipline and devotion.
Yet beyond medals and rankings, Sana’s story is about perception. She speaks of a childhood where she often felt unseen, until squash carved out a new identity for her. Today, when she slips on the green Pakistan jersey, she signs that it makes her feel “visible and proud.”
Her achievements highlight a gap Pakistan can no longer ignore: the urgent need for support systems, sponsorships and inclusive pathways for differently-abled athletes. As Sana pushes forward, she stands not only as a competitor but as a quiet revolution, inspiring others to challenge the boundaries set around them.
Her rallies may echo in silence, but her impact resounds far beyond the court.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.