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Pakistani Junior Squash Player’s Hand Gesture Fuels Calls for Sanctions and Strains India-Pakistan Sports Ties

Islamabad has declared that any future sports travel to India will require formal government clearance

Overview

  • After her 13-11, 5-11, 11-13, 4-11 loss to Hong Kong’s Chung Y L in the Under-17 Round of 16 at the Asian Junior Championships, Mehwish Ali showed her middle finger and refused a postmatch handshake.
  • The incident was captured on video and circulated widely on social media, drawing swift and widespread condemnation from fans and commentators.
  • Numerous officials and observers have demanded disciplinary measures against Ali, but tournament authorities have not announced any penalties to date.
  • The gesture overshadowed Pakistan’s strong run at the 32nd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships, where five Pakistani players advanced to the semifinals.
  • Following renewed scrutiny of bilateral sports exchanges, Pakistan stated that participation in events such as the Hockey Asia Cup in India will depend on government directives.