Abdul Malik Khan, originally from Quetta, is on the verge of completing his Master’s degree in accounting at Cornell University, an Ivy League School in New York. As he stands at this pivotal moment in his academic journey, the Quetta-born individual is faced with a significant decision regarding his future path. The dilemma lies between opting for a stable job or pursuing his true passion – squash.
Despite being aware of the challenges that may lie ahead, Malik has chosen to follow his love for squash. While squash may not be the most globally popular sport, it holds considerable interest in Pakistan due to its rich history.
Malik’s journey in squash began at the national level when he was just 10 years old. His achievements include winning the bronze medal for Pakistan at the Asian Junior Championship and Asian Team Championship in 2017. In the same year, he secured the title of World Junior Plate Gold Medallist and held the position of Pakistan’s number-one junior player in 2018.
While Malik aspires to follow in the footsteps of squash legends such as Jahangir Khan, Jansher Khan, and Hashim Khan, he envisions a broader impact beyond the court. His dream extends to the establishment of a cancer hospital in Balochistan.
The only dedicated cancer facility in the region, Cenar Hospital in Quetta, reported over 5,000 new cancer cases earlier this month. Additionally, numerous cases in remote areas remain undiagnosed due to limited healthcare access.
Recognizing the hardships faced by locals who often need to travel to cities like Karachi and Lahore for better treatment, Malik is determined to make a difference. He envisions constructing a cancer hospital in Balochistan where patients can receive treatment free of charge.
Expressing his commitment, Malik stated, “I want to help the people of my region since they struggle due to the absence of basic healthcare facilities. I firmly believe that when Allah blesses you and gives you the ability to help others, we should improve our standard of giving instead of living.”
Acknowledging the formidable challenges ahead, the 24-year-old is resolute in his determination to turn these ambitious dreams into reality. “I will try to do my best on and off the court and hope that people will support me,” he concluded.
