By by KHURRAM SHEHZAD AWAN:
In a city where legends once ruled the squash courts, a new name is echoing through the corridors of the Mushaf Squash Complex — Junaid Sami Khan, the passionate athlete determined to reignite Pakistan’s golden era in squash.
He’s not just any hopeful player. Junaid is the brother of renowned singer Adnan Sami Khan and the son of war hero and former ambassador Air Commodore (R) Arshad Sami Khan, yet he’s chosen a far tougher stage — the glass-walled world of squash — where fame is earned only through sweat, discipline, and heart.
From a Famous Family to a Fitness Journey
Despite coming from a celebrated family and once struggling with being overweight, Junaid’s passion for sports has inspired a powerful transformation. Every day, he trains at the Mushaf Squash Complex, located inside the Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad, under the supervision of one of the country’s top squash coaches.
His unwavering dedication and commitment to fitness have already begun to attract attention within the sports community, as he continues to shed weight, sharpen his skills, and chase his dream.
Inspired by Jahangir and Jansher — The Two Legendary “J’s”
Growing up admiring Pakistan’s squash icons Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan, Junaid aspires to carry forward their legacy. With determination burning in his eyes, he declares:
“Pakistan once had two great J’s — Jahangir and Jansher. Now, I want to be the next J — Junaid Sami Khan — and bring back squash glory to Pakistan.”
For Junaid, the dream isn’t just personal glory — it’s about restoring Pakistan’s once-unrivaled status as a global powerhouse in squash.
A Dream Like Martin Luther King Jr.
Deeply inspired by history’s great visionaries, Junaid often quotes civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., saying:
“I had a dream like Martin Luther King Jr. — that one day I will be the next squash champion from Pakistan. If Martin Luther could turn his dream into reality, then I can too — and I will.”
His words echo his unshakable belief that no obstacle is too great for someone who dares to dream big and work relentlessly for it.
Symbol of Hope and Inspiration
Junaid’s journey represents far more than a sporting pursuit — it’s a story of transformation, discipline, and national pride. His daily grind is already motivating many young athletes to believe that greatness begins with self-belief and hard work.
As he continues to train with focus and passion, sports fans are beginning to rally behind him — hoping that Junaid Sami Khan will soon become the face of a new squash revolution in Pakistan.
