Pakistani squash player Mehwish Ali Banned for Six Months

Pakistan’s junior squash scene was hit by controversy as rising player Mehwish Ali received a six-month ban from the Asian Squash Federation for unsportsmanlike conduct during the Asian Junior Squash Championship.

The incident occurred during the pre-quarterfinal match against a Hong Kong opponent. After losing the match, Mehwish reportedly made an offensive hand gesture toward her rival and refused the customary handshake—an act that the Federation deemed a clear violation of sportsmanship and ethical conduct.

In an official statement, the Asian Squash Federation (ASF) confirmed the disciplinary action, stating that respect and decorum on the court are non-negotiable.

“Such behaviour sets a poor example for young athletes and damages the spirit of the game,” the statement read.

The Mehwish Ali incident draws comparisons to similar cases in international sports. In 2023, Russian tennis player Karen Khachanov faced backlash during the Australian Open for writing a politically charged message on a camera lens amid the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. Although Khachanov was issued a formal warning and not suspended, the episode sparked debate on political expression in sports.

The squash community in Pakistan expressed disappointment over the incident. A senior coach from the national squash circuit, on condition of anonymity, said:

“Mehwish is a talented player with a bright future. This setback is unfortunate, but it should be seen as a learning moment—not just for her, but for all young athletes.”