Pakistani squash player Mehwish Ali banned for six months

Pakistani squash player Mehwish Ali has been banned for six months by the Asian Squash Federation for making an obscene gesture towards her opponent during the Asian Junior Squash Championship.

The incident occurred after Mehwish lost her pre-quarterfinal match to a player from Hong Kong. In frustration, she not only refused to shake hands but also made an inappropriate gesture—an act deemed a serious violation of sportsmanship.

This disciplinary action reflects a broader stance by sports federations on upholding professional conduct. A similar case in 2023 involved Russian tennis star Karen Khachanov, who received a warning (but not a ban) for making a politically charged statement during the Australian Open, highlighting how sports bodies are increasingly taking note of behaviour both on and off the field.

The ban on Mehwish Ali serves as a clear message: unsportsmanlike behaviour will not be tolerated, regardless of a player’s status or the level of competition.