At the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, 20-year-old Pakistani squash player Sana Bahadar made her debut, marking a significant milestone despite a first-round exit against Iran’s Najmeh Boushehrizadeh. Deaf and non-verbal since birth, Sana, along with her two younger brothers, has faced considerable communication challenges outside the squash court, where she expresses herself through her racquet.

Hailing from Peshawar, Sana began playing squash at age 10 and gained early mentorship from Pakistani squash legend Qamar Zaman. Her involvement in the sport contrasts with the limited vocational options often offered at special education schools, where her father Sher Bahadar advocated for opportunities in areas like sports and IT rather than traditional crafts.

Sana’s rise to national champion has come with financial strain on the family. Her father, who operates a printing business, sold two printing machines this year to cover her travel expenses for international training and competitions. This support has caused a 60% reduction in his business revenue but remains a source of pride. "Because of her, I get to travel and meet so many great athletes," he said.

The athlete currently ranks 179th globally, following a recent victory at the Bendigo Open in Australia. Looking ahead, Sana aims to break into the top 100 by next year. She and her family hope to continue training under her former coach, who has relocated to China, though funding remains a significant hurdle.

A Karachi-based foundation contributes approximately four million Pakistani rupees (around $14,452) annually to support her career, but this support is insufficient to cover extensive overseas training. Despite these challenges, Sana’s determination and progress have positioned her as a role model not only for individuals with hearing and speech impairments but also for aspiring athletes across Pakistan.