Squash ace Mehwish makes inspiring comeback after health scare

Islamabad: Pakistan’s rising squash star Mehwish Ali has successfully participated in the trials for the 35th Asian Squash Championship at the Pakistan Squash Federation, Islamabad, marking an inspiring comeback after a serious health setback earlier this year.

Last month, Mehwish suffered a severe medical emergency during the semi-final of the WSF Czech Junior Open 2026, where she collapsed mid-match while in a dominant position.

She was immediately shifted to the ICU, having remained unconscious for nearly seven hours due to cardiac stress caused by a lack of oxygen.

Her full recovery has brought immense relief to the Pakistani squash community.

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Mehwish is now back in training alongside her sisters and has completed the Asian Championship trials.

Expressing her gratitude, Mehwish said the trials were not only a competition but an opportunity to grow as a player and proudly represent Pakistan at the continental level.

For those unaware, the Ali sisters—Mehwish, Sehrish, and Mahnoor Ali—are rising squash stars from Peshawar, Pakistan, who have recently achieved significant success on the international junior circuit.

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Mehwish Ali out of danger after Czech Open semi scare

PRAGUE: Pakistan’s rising squash star Mehwish Ali is now out of danger after a serious health scare during the semifinals of the WSF Czech Junior Open 2026, currently underway in the Czech Republic.

Mehwish, who was in a dominant position in the semi-final, suffered a health scare during the middle of the match.

The severity of the injury forced an immediate halt to play, and she was subsequently shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close medical monitoring and treatment.

Now, as per the latest reports, Mehwish is out of danger, has regained consciousness, and is stable.

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It was revealed that Mehwish Ali’s heart came under stress, and oxygen wasn’t reaching it, leaving her unconscious for seven hours.

Her recovery brings relief to the Pakistani squash community, who have been closely following her performance in the tournament.

The incident has cast a shadow over an otherwise outstanding tournament for Pakistan, where the Ali Sisters — Mahnoor, Mehwish, and Sehrish Ali — have once again demonstrated Pakistan’s growing strength in international junior squash.

Mahnoor Ali booked a place in the summit clash after beating Tarasova 3–0 in the semifinal, with a dominant performance: 11–5, 11–6, 11–7.

Besides Mahnoor, another Ali sister, Sehrish Ali, also delivered a spirited performance but was defeated by the second seed Johanna Reháková of the Czech Republic.

For the unversed, the WSF Czech Junior Open 2026 is a highly ranked international junior squash tournament under the European Squash Federation Junior Gold Circuit, featuring top young players from across the world and offering valuable international ranking points.

All matches will be streamed live on the ESF Squash website, providing global access for squash fans.

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