The Squash Family: Three Peshawar Sisters Turn Talent into 78 Gold Medals
In Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, three teenage sisters are quietly building a remarkable squash legacy by excelling on courts both domestically and internationally in a sport historically dominated by men. The trio, hailing from Peshawar, have collectively won an impressive 78 gold medals in various tournaments, showcasing raw talent, relentless family discipline, and a will to rise above expectations in one of the country's most conservative regions.
Meet the Ali Sisters: A Trio of Champions
The story of these sisters—17-year-old Mehwish Ali, 14-year-old Sehrish Ali, and 13-year-old Mahnoor Ali—is not just about medals but also about the immense sacrifices made by their father, Muhammad Arif. A former athlete who played cricket and badminton, Arif taught himself squash and later sold his assets to support his daughters' sporting careers. His dedication has been pivotal in their journey to success.
Inside the Qamar Zaman Squash Court at Qayyum Stadium in Peshawar, the Ali sisters train on separate courts for over three hours daily, while their father sits outside, cheering and guiding them. This rigorous routine has paid off handsomely, with each sister achieving notable rankings and titles.
Individual Achievements and Sibling Dynamics
Mehwish Ali, the eldest sibling, is Pakistan's Under-19 number one player, with 30 titles to her name. She balances her squash career with her studies in the 11th grade at a private college in Peshawar. Reflecting on her journey, Mehwish told Arab News, "To be honest, I don't have any friends, but I think I'm blessed that I have my sisters as friends and as colleagues, as partners to play with me and to spend time with, and also my mom and dad too."
Sehrish Ali, the middle sister, is ranked number one in Pakistan in the Under-15 category. She has built an impressive record, winning 20 gold, five silver, and five bronze medals in national and international tournaments. On sibling rivalry, Sehrish said, "Whenever we play against each other, we are not sisters in the court. We're fighting it out. We give our best in the court." She added that outside the court, any disagreements are short-lived, with the sisters quickly returning to normal. People often refer to them as "the squash family," a nickname inspired by their elder brother, who first took up the game before moving abroad.
Mahnoor Ali, the youngest sister, has won 28 titles, including 15 international and 13 national tournaments, along with seven silver and one bronze medal. Mahnoor studies online in the seventh grade to accommodate her training schedule. She reminisced about her accidental start in squash, initially preferring badminton. "I started when I was seven years old," she said. "I used to come here and just play for fun. I was not that into squash. I liked badminton more, so I thought I could go professional in badminton. But since my elder brother and sister were playing squash and they were really good at it, I thought why not give it a try?" Despite early challenges, she persevered by balancing studies and training, emphasizing the hard work behind her achievements.
Father's Sacrifices and Sponsorship Challenges
Muhammad Arif, the father, has made significant sacrifices for his daughters' careers. He left his job in a medicine-related firm, exhausted his savings, and sold his gold, car, and house to support them. Since 2021, he has been traveling with his daughters nationally and internationally. "I resigned for them, because I used to take them to and bring them back from tournaments and training, and I needed to be with them during their travels," he explained.
Arif highlighted the ongoing challenge of finding sponsors for his champion children, noting that female athletes in Pakistan often struggle to secure support due to societal traditions. "In Pakistan, it is really hard to get sponsors for female athletes," he said. "They can't go ahead easily [and play sports] because of the traditions in our society. Females don't get the support that a male player gets." For the past year, Toyota Pakistan has provided support, but more sponsorship is needed to sustain their progress.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
The Ali sisters' story is a testament to resilience, family unity, and breaking barriers in sports. With 78 gold medals and counting, they are not only making a name for themselves in squash but also inspiring future generations in Pakistan. Their journey underscores the importance of parental support and the need for greater investment in female athletes to foster a more inclusive sporting culture.
