Squash star Malik aims to build cancer hospital in Balochistan

KARACHI: Abdul Malik Khan will soon complete his Masters degree in accounting from Cornell University, an Ivy League School, in New York which is why the time has come when he needs to decide what he wants to do with his future but the Quetta-born stands at a crossroads. Should he opt for a stable job or pursue the game he loves the most? Despite knowing the hurdles that stand in his way, Malik has chosen squash.

Squash might not be among the most popular sports in the world but it still attracts significant interest in Pakistan because of its rich history.

Malik started playing squash at the national Level at the age of 10. He won the bronze medal for Pakistan at the Asian Junior Championship and Asian Team Championship in 2017. He was also the World Junior Plate Gold Medallist in 2017 and was Pakistan’s number-one junior player in 2018.

“It is easy for me to get a job here [in the United States] but I’m passionate about playing squash,” Malik, who got admitted to Cornell University due to his squash and academics achievements, told GeoSuper.tv in an exclusive interview.

Malik currently trains under the watchful eye of David Palmer, who was a former world number one player and winner of four British Open and two World Open titles.

“I’m being coached by Palmer who was a very successful player in the past. He is helping me improve my game and become a better player,” Malik said.

While Malik is eager to emulate the likes of Jahangir Khan, Jansher Khan and Hashim Khan, he also dreams about opening a cancer hospital in Balochistan.

Earlier this month, Cenar hospital, the only facility dedicated to treating cancer patients in Balochistan, in Quetta reported more than 5,000 new cancer patients. Additionally, many cases remain undiagnosed in remote regions.

Due to a lack of healthcare facilities, many are forced to travel to other cities, like Karachi and Lahore, for better treatment. However, that proves costly for the poverty-stricken people of the region.

“I want to build a cancer hospital in Balochistan where patients will be treated free of cost. I want to help the people of my region since they struggle due to the absence of basic healthcare facilities,” Malik added.

“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.”

Turning his dreams into reality won’t be an easy task by any stretch of the imagination for Malik but the 24-year-old has vowed that he will leave no stone unturned in achieving his ambitious goals.

“I will try to do my best on and off the court and hope that people will support me,” he concluded.