Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif extended her formal commendations to Pakistani athletic sensation Sana Bahadur following her victorious campaign at the PSA Challengers 3 Open 2026, held in Melbourne, Australia.
Sana put together an exceptional string of performances throughout the international tournament before executing a commanding 3-1 victory against corporate home-favorite Rachael Greena of Australia in the championship match to claim the top honor.
Competing under the national flag, Sana showcased remarkable self-assurance, mental fortitude, and tactical consistency across every stage of the competition. Even when confronting a local competitor backed by a partisan home crowd during the high-stakes final encounter, she preserved her competitive focus and delivered a robust performance to bypass Greena and secure the championship trophy.
This title win represents a significant milestone for Pakistani squash on the global competitive landscape and generates vital career momentum for Sana as she works to solidify her standing within the international sport.
National recognition and institutional praise
In her official celebratory address, Maryam lauded Sana for bringing global recognition to the homeland through her athletic brilliance, affectionately characterizing the victorious athlete as a true “daughter of Pakistan.” The Chief Minister emphasized that the historic milestone stands as an immense source of pride for the entire citizenry.
The competitive tournament featured an overall financial prize purse of $3,000, with Sana’s ultimate success further bolstering Pakistan’s expanding influence within the international squash arena.
Simultaneously, the governing Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) released a public statement offering its congratulations to Sana for her triumphant run at the Bendigo Open 2026.
“An incredible athletic accomplishment and a deeply proud moment for Pakistan Squash within the international arena. Outstanding effort, Sana! Continue elevating the nation on the world stage,” the sporting federation stated.
