Tennis
Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial: Muzammil Murtaza wins Singles title
Lahore (SBR): Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and Ushna Suhail grabbed mixed doubles title, Muzammil Murtaza bagged men’s singles titles and Ushna claimed ladies singles title in the Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial National Ranking Tennis Championship 2024 at Sports Board Punjab Center Tennis Court, Nishtar Park Sports Complex on Saturday.The highlight of the concluding day was mixed doubles final between Aisam/Ushna and Abdullah Adnan and Amna Ali Qayyum, which was witnessed by huge and enthusiastic crowd, which enjoyed each and every moment of the final and cheered for both the pairs on earning each point. After a very healthy competition, the enthralling encounter was won by Aisam and Ushna, who defeated the spirited duo of Adnan and Amna 6-2, 6-3. The men's singles final proved a highly-charged encounter, where Muzammil Murtaza played well and edged out experienced Aqeel Khan by 6-2, 7-6(6-3) to clinch the title. The ladies singles final was won by Ushna Suhail, the granddaughter of Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad, who overwhelmed young Zunaisha Noor 6-2, 6-0.In the boys U-18 singles final, Abubakar Talha (Wapda) defeated Shehryar Anees 6-2, 6-2. Abubakar Talha completed the brace of titles, when he, along with Hamza Roman, beat Ahtesham Humayun and M Salar 6-1, 6-4 in the U-18 doubles final. Shayan Afridi claimed boys U-14 singles title by beating Junaid Khan 6-0, 6-3 while Bismel Zia defeated Hajra Sohail 6-3, 6-3 to lift the girls U-14 singles title. ITF Seniors Champion Rashid Malik, partnering with Arif Feroze, defeated Mohammad Khalid and Mohammad Ilyas 5-2 (retd) to clinch the seniors 55+ doubles title. Talha Waheed (Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd) and Shehryar Salamat clinched the seniors 40+ doubles title after edging out Ashar Khan and Hadi Hussain 1-6, 6-4, 10-12 in the final.Pakistan’s Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem graced the concluding ceremony as chief guest while his coach Salman Iqbal Butt was the guest of honour. Both distributed prizes among the winners and runners-up. They also awarded life time achievement awards to Nausheen Ehtesham and Rashid Malik for their services for tennis in Pakistan. Other notables present on the occasion were entire family of Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad including Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and Ushna Suhail, Former Governor Punjab Gen (Retd) Khalid Maqbool, tennis players, their families, and tennis enthusiasts.
Pakistan's Hassan Usmani Dominates Saudi Star in ATF Asian U14
Islamabad (Sports Desk): Pakistan's Hassan Usmani moved into the semifinals of the ATF Asian Under-14 quarterfinal, as the tournament is being played in Saudi Arabia.According to a press release of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), after a stunning display of skill and mind, Ashgabat's Champ and ACE Pak star Hassan Usmani, delivered a commanding performance to defeat Saudi Arabia's Hamza Mahdi 6-1, 6-1 in the quarterfinals of the ATF Asian 14&Under Championship in Jeddah. President PTF Mr. Aisam ul Haq Qureshi praised his performance and motivated him for the Semifinal.
Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial Tennis Championship to start on December 14
Lahore (SBR): The prestigious Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial National Ranking Tennis Championship 2024 is all set to commence at the Sports Board Punjab Tennis Academy, Nishtar Park Lahore, from December 14 to 21. The event not only celebrates the spirit of competition but also pays a rich tribute to the legendary Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad, a trailblazer of tennis in Pakistan.This championship boasts the participation of top-ranked national players, including Pakistan's tennis icon and Sitara-e-Imtiaz recipient Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, as well as other talented stars like Aqeel Khan, Ushna Suhail, and rising prodigies Muzammil Murtaza, Muhammad Shoaib, Abid Mushtaq, Meheq Khokhar, Sheeza Sajid and many more. With significant prize money on the line, the tournament promises thrilling encounters that will captivate tennis enthusiasts across the country.Speaking about the championship, Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, who is also President of Pakistan Tennis Federation, said: "It is an honor to participate in a tournament that bears the name of my beloved grandfather, Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad, whose contributions to tennis in Pakistan remain unmatched. This tournament is not just a tribute but a celebration of his legacy. I am thrilled to be part of this event and will give my utmost to make it a resounding success. “As the PTF president, I aim to make this an annual event and introduce more such tournaments in the national calendar to ensure continuous activity and development of tennis in Pakistan," he said and added: "I hope these efforts inspire our players to earn greater international accolades and take Pakistan tennis to new heights."National tennis champion Aqeel Khan said, "It is a privilege to honor a legend like Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad through this championship. Such initiatives inspire us to perform at our best and also motivate the younger generation to uphold the legacy of great players."Granddaughter of the late legend, Ushna Suhail, expressed her excitement. "I am thrilled to compete in this remarkable event that pays tribute to my grandfather. This is a proud moment for my family, and I will give my best to win the title."Muzammil Murtaza, one of Pakistan's top players, shared his enthusiasm. "This championship is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our skills. We are grateful for the chance to compete in such a prestigious tournament and will strive to deliver enthralling tennis matches."Mohammad Shoaib, the national No. 1 tennis player, remarked: "It’s a matter of pride to participate in this championship, and I am determined to put up my best performance to honor the legacy of Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad."Women’s tennis stars are equally excited about the event. Meheq Khokhar, Pakistan’s No. 2, remarked: "Participating in this event is a huge honor, and I will give my best to make my mark." Similarly, Sheeza Sajid, ranked No. 3, said: "This tournament is a golden opportunity for players like us to shine on a big stage, and I am thrilled to be a part of it."
Sports legends rally behind Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial Tennis Championship
Lahore (PR): Sports legends and top athletes, including Jahangir Khan, Shahbaz Ahmed Senior, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, Rashid Malik, Aqeel Khan, international stars International tennis stars Sania Mirza, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Grigor Dimitrov, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, have expressed their excitement for the upcoming Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial National Ranking Tennis Championship 2024, scheduled to take place from December 14 to 21 at the Sports Board Punjab Tennis Academy, Nishtar Park Lahore, the event promises to be a landmark celebration of tennis in Pakistan. Legendary squash player Jahangir Khan said: “Late Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad is a towering figure in Pakistan's tennis history. His legacy is reflected in his family’s ongoing contributions to the sport. I wish Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and his family success in making this championship a grand platform for tennis players.”Former cricket captain Shahid Afridi said: “This tournament is a fitting tribute to a sports legend. It will provide a valuable opportunity for our tennis players to showcase their talent on a national stage and compete for significant prize money.”Cricketer Mohammad Hafeez shared his enthusiasm, saying: “I am delighted to see such a prominent event being organized for Pakistani tennis players. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and his family have made a monumental effort to promote the sport. Under Aisam’s dynamic leadership, I am confident Pakistan tennis will flourish further.”Rashid Malik, Senior Vice President of the Punjab Lawn Tennis Association, highlighted the significance of the event. “This tournament is a tribute to a remarkable player, Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad. It will bring together Davis Cup, Fed Cup, and top-ranked players to honour his legacy. I applaud Aisam-ul-Haq for this commendable effort and look forward to its success.”Speaking about the championship, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi reflected on his grandfather’s legacy. “Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad dedicated his life to tennis in both India and Pakistan. My family and I are committed to keeping his legacy alive by organising this event annually to honour his contributions to the sport. I hope top players of the country, including me, will compete in this prestigious championship and try to earn the title and huge prize money.”Prominent figures from various sports, including International tennis stars Sania Mirza, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Grigor Dimitrov, former hockey legend Shahbaz Ahmed Senior and other national and Davis Cup players, also expressed their admiration for Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad and lauded the championship as a vital step towards promoting tennis in Pakistan.
TENNIS - Wheelchair 08 Dec, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportShrewsbury (UK): Asif Gul Abbasi, an inspirational figure in British wheelchair tennis, triumphed at the National Finals Wheelchair Tennis Tournament held in Shrewsbury this weekend, reclaiming his position as the nation's best. Hailing from Essex, Abbasi demonstrated unparalleled skill and determination as he clinched his fourth national singles title, adding to his victories in 2017, 2018, and 2019. He also secured the men’s doubles title, completing a stunning weekend of tennis.Overcoming Adversity: Abbasi's triumph is made all the more remarkable by the challenges he overcame leading up to the tournament. In August, he sustained an arm injury and was later diagnosed with elbow joint arthritis and neuropathy in his dominant arm. These setbacks cast doubt on his ability to play at a high level again. However, Abbasi refused to let these obstacles define his journey.Reflecting on his struggles, Abbasi said, “After the setbacks, I wasn’t sure if I would ever play tennis at a good level again. This injury forced me to change my technique, but it also helped me to play better than before. I am happy that I was able to perform well in this situation.”A Performance to Remember: Despite the physical challenges, Abbasi entered the tournament as the top seed and delivered a commanding performance. In the singles semi-final, he faced Philip Fielding, the 2023 defending champion, and overwhelmed him with a 6-2, 6-2 victory. He then faced Barton in the final and secured an emphatic 6-1, 6-0 win, capturing the title without dropping a set throughout the tournament.Doubling Down on Success: Not content with just the singles title, Abbasi also partnered with Kevin Lewis from South Wales in the men’s doubles competition, showcasing his versatility and teamwork. Together with his partner, he delivered a flawless display to claim the doubles championship, with 6:1, 6:0 in the final, further cementing his status as a formidable all-around player.A Legacy of Excellence and Resilience: Abbasi’s win in Shrewsbury marks his return to the top of British wheelchair tennis after a hiatus from national triumphs. With this victory, he not only adds to his collection of titles but also inspires the next generation of players, particularly in disability tennis, a field he has passionately promoted throughout his career.With 30 years of coaching experience, a career-best international ranking of 82, and a commitment to developing future talent, Abbasi continues to be a beacon of hope and resilience.Despite the condition of his arm, Abbasi remains optimistic about his future. “I will try to adapt and accept my fate, but I will never give up,” he said. He now looks forward to competing in international tournaments, where he hopes to continue raising the profile of wheelchair tennis on the global stage.Looking Ahead: Asif Abbasi’s triumph in Shrewsbury is more than just a personal achievement; it is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and unyielding passion. His journey serves as an inspiration to athletes everywhere, showing that with determination, even the toughest challenges can be transformed into opportunities for greatness.
TENNIS - Local News 03 Dec, 2024
LAHORE (SBR) Pakistan’s top-ranked ITF senior tennis player, Rashid Malik, continued to demonstrate his exceptional prowess on the court, securing a commanding 6-0, 6-1 victory over Husnain Mirza in the seniors 60+ singles quarterfinals of the RLK Group ITF Masters Championship 2024. Organised by the Punjab Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA), the prestigious tournament is underway at the Sports Board Punjab Tennis Academy, Nishtar Park, Lahore, showcasing remarkable talent from across the nation and beyond. Besides Malik, Nauman Aleem also secured a place in the seniors 60+ singles semifinals, with a hard-fought 7-5, 7-6 victory against Tahir Butt. In the seniors 65+ singles quarterfinals, former Davis Cupper Inam ul Haq displayed his prowess, defeating Kh Abdul Muqeet 6-2, 6-2. M Babar followed with an impressive 6-0, 6-1 win over Raashed Zaheer. In the seniors 35+ singles quarterfinals, Inam Gul delivered a dominant performance, overpowering Mubeen Akram with a flawless 6-0, 6-0 victory. The seniors 40+ singles quarterfinals witnessed exciting matches as Kashif Rehmat comfortably defeated Sameer Noorani 6-2, 6-2, while Tariq Masih swept past Fazal Qadir Khan with a commanding 6-1, 6-0 scoreline. In the seniors 45+ singles quarterfinals, Ahmad Waqas Basit impressed with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 win against Umer Dilshad. Muhammad Asghar displayed resilience in his 6-4, 6-1 triumph over Ahsan Wali, while Shehryar Salamat cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 victory against Qadir Nawaz. The competition in the seniors 50+ singles quarterfinals was equally intense. Ahsan Razzaq defeated Mustafa Pirzada 6-2, 6-2, and Irfan Ullah Khan outplayed Anwar ul Haq 6-4, 6-3. In a gripping match, Munir Gill edged past Irfan Ahmad 6-0, 7-6, while Ashar Ali Khan overcame Pervez Hassan 7-6, 6-2. In the seniors 55+ singles quarterfinals, Imran Siddiqui advanced with a commanding 6-2, 6-0 win over Kaffee Siddiqui. The seniors 70+ singles quarterfinals saw Christophe Bureau outlast Kh Khurram in a thrilling 6-4, 7-5 encounter, while M Saeed Ikram Ullah prevailed over Salah ud Din 6-1, 6-1. Finally, in the seniors 75+ singles, Dr Zulfqar Malik dominated Abdul Rauf with a comprehensive 6-0, 6-1 victory, further underscoring the high level of competition in the championship. The Punjab Lawn Tennis Association extends its gratitude to the RLK Group for their sponsorship, ensuring the success of this landmark event in Pakistan’s tennis calendar.
TENNIS - Local News 24 Nov, 2024
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Gun and Country Club Open Tennis Championship will get underway on Monday (November 25, 2024) here at Gun & Country Club tennis courts.According to an official, the competitions will be held in four different categories including Men’s Singles, Ladies’ Singles, Boys’ Under-18 Singles ,and 45+ Seniors Singles.
TENNIS - ITF Juniors 23 Nov, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Young tennis lad, Xiuyuan Guo from China defeated Sion Ji from Korea 2-0 in the Boys’ Singles final of the ITF Pakistan PPL-Syed Dilawar Abbas World Junior Tennis Championship Leg-2 here at Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Tennis Complex on Saturday.Tariq Mehmood Murtaza Chairman Islamabad Tennis Association (ITA) was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. G-Ali Noon -PPL was the guest of honour. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi President PTF and Col Zia-ud-din Tufail Secretary-General-PTF were also present at the closing ceremony. The closing ceremony was also attended by Advocate Majid Bashir President-ITA, Tufail Cheema Secretary-ITA and a large number of players, coaches and parents. Results (Finals):Boys’ Singles: Xiuyuan Guo of China beat Sion Ji of Korea 7-6 (3), 6-2Girls’ Singles Dinara De Silva of Sri Lanka beat Karolina Ligai of Kazakhstan 6-3, 6-4
TENNIS - ITF Juniors 22 Nov, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Ahmad Nael Qureshi pairing with Bilal Asim have lifted the Doubles title of the ITF Pakistan PPL-Syed Dilawar Abbas World Junior Tennis Championship Leg-2 after beating Abubakar Talha and Haider Ali Rizwan 2-0 in the final here at PTF Tennis Complex on Friday.Results:Boys’ Singles (Semifinals): Sion Ji (KOR) beat Ahmad Nael Qureshi 6-4, 6-4Xiuyuan Guo (CHN) beat Bilal Asim 6-3, 6-3Girls’ Singles (Semifinals): Karolina Ligai (KAZ) bt Chaerin Lee (KOR) 7-5, 6-3Dinara De Silva (SRI) bt Hinata Wada (JPN) 4-6, 6-4, 6-1Boys' Doubles Final: Ahmad Nael Qureshi / Bilal Asim beat Abubakar Talha /Haider Ali Rizwan 6-4, 6-3Girls Doubles Final: So Yuna(KOR) / Yeon Joo Cha(KOR) beat A Hyun Jo (KOR) / Chaerin Lee(KOR) 6-2, 6-3 Saturday (Schedule):Girls’ Singles Final: 10:00 amBoys’ Singles Final: 02:00pm
TENNIS - ITF Juniors 21 Nov, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Karolina Ligai (KAZ), Hinata Wada, Dinara De Silva (SRI), and Chaeirn Lee (KOR) moved into the semifinals of the Girls’ Event of the ITF Pakistan PPL-Syed Dilawar Abbas World Junior Tennis Championship Leg-2 after beating their respective opponents at Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Tennis Complex in Islamabad on Thursday.In the Boys Singles two Pakistani boys, Ahmad Nael Qureshi and Bilal Asim, have qualified for the semifinals. Ahmad Nael showcased an impressive performance, defeating Minwoo Kim of Korea 6-1, 6-2 to secure his spot. Meanwhile, Bilal Asim advanced to the semifinal after receiving a walkover as Mohammad Talha Khan withdrew from their match due to a shoulder injury.Results:Boys’ Singles (Quarterfinals):Ahmad Nael Qureshi (PAK) beat Minwoo Kim (KOR) 6-1, 6-2Bilal Asim w/o Mohammad Talha KhanXiuyuan Guo (CHN) beat Abubakar Talha (PAK) 6-3, 7-5Sion Ji (KOR) beat Youngchae OH (KOR) 6-1, 6-0Girls’ Singles (Quarterfinals):Karolina Ligai (KAZ) beat Yeon Joo Cha(KOR) 6-4, 6-1Hinata Wada (JPN) beat A Hyun Jo (KOR) 6-3, 2-6, 6-1Dinara De Silva (SRI) beat So Yuna(KOR) 6-4, 1-6, 6-4Chaeirn Lee (KOR) beat Elizaveta Privalova(RUS) 6-4, 6-3Boys’ Doubles (Semifinals):Mohammad Haider All Rizwan(PAK)/ Abubakar Talha (PAK) beat Yota Nishikori(JPN) / Youngchae Oh (KOR) 6-3, 3-6 (10-7)Ahmad Nael Qureshi / Bilal Asim beat Pudit (THA) / Teetawat(THA) 6-3, 6-4.
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