Sports Bulletin

Nikunj Shah, Navin Dalmia, and Rajdeep Dalmia acquire Hyderabad Strikers Sports Bulletin ReportMumbai (India): Ahead of the highly anticipated season 5 of the Tennis Premier League (TPL), visionary founders and owners of ENN Sports LLP, Nikunj Shah, Navin Dalmia, and Rajdeep Dalmia have acquired the Hyderabad Strikers. The highly enterprising trio will be co-owners of the two-time and current Champions of the league alongside celebrity co-owner Rakul Preet Singh.Co-owner of Hyderabad Strikers, Rakul Preet Singh spoke with delight about the new development, “The TPL is a great place for the talented tennis players in the country to show off their skills and improve their game further while working with the biggest names in the sport. Hyderabad has always been well-known for their contribution to Indian tennis, and with the Hyderabad Strikers, we want to further enhance that reputation.”ENN Sports LLP is a premier sports-promoting company that is dedicated to enhancing sports culture in India and around the world. The company provides a wide range of services that include sports team management, event organization, and sports marketing.Nikunj Shah's entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his deep-rooted love for sports, has positioned him as a prominent figure in both communities. With his ongoing efforts, Shah continues to leave a lasting impact on the sports landscape.Talking about his love for the sport of Tennis, co-owner Nikunj Shah said, “Tennis holds a special place in my heart. I actively participate in and support the sport. We are always looking for opportunities to help athletes grow at the highest levels, and the TPL aims to do exactly that. So, I want to actively contribute to the growth of Tennis in India, which I am certain would be possible through the Hyderabad Strikers.”Rajdeep Dalmia has a passion for technology that is infectious and has the ability to inspire and motivate those around him. He believes in the power of collaboration and fosters an environment of innovation and creativity within his organizations.Rajdeep, who used to play tennis in school said, “The TPL is a great way to experience the excitement of a live tennis match, especially as the matches are played in a fast-paced environment due to the format. The Hyderabad Strikers is a phenomenal franchise with a storied history in the league. With our expertise from ENN Sports LLP, I am sure we will be able to expand the dedicated fanbase of the Hyderabad Strikers that will spur us on in our title defence in season 5.”Co-founder of the TPL, Kunal Thakkur spoke about how the new ownership will help the Hyderabad Strikers come season 5. He said, “ENN Sports LLP is an innovative enterprise much like the TPL. Their expertise in sports will allow them to become league leaders in terms of strategy, planning, and promotion. This will surely help the Hyderabad Strikers to continue succeeding on and off the court.”Mrunal Jain, co-founder of the TPL mirrored his fellow co-founder’s sentiment as he said, “The Hyderabad Strikers is the most outstanding franchisees in the league, and will surely prosper even more under the guidance of visionaries such as Nikunj Shah, Navin Dalmia, and Rajdeep Dalmia.” 

Special ReportIn the realm of sports, there are individuals who exemplify determination and resilience, rising above challenges to achieve greatness. One such individual is Asif Abbasi, Pakistan's top wheelchair tennis player, whose journey from a world ranking of 400 at the beginning of 2023 to now holding the impressive rank of 156 in the world showcases his remarkable ascent.Abbasi's journey gained momentum with his participation in the Bolton, cinch Queen's club, and Nottingham wheelchair tennis tournaments. His outstanding performances in these events not only caught the attention of tennis enthusiasts but also propelled him to his current world ranking. From a humble start, he has surged ahead, leaving his mark on the international wheelchair tennis circuit.The pinnacle of his achievements came with his victory at the “Play Your Way To Wimbledon” National Finals tournament held at the prestigious Wimbledon tennis courts in London, United Kingdom (UK). This monumental win not only underscores Abbasi's exceptional skill and determination but also marks a historic moment for Pakistan in wheelchair tennis.What makes his journey even more inspiring is that he's accomplishing these feats single-handedly, despite work commitments. However, the lack of sponsorship is hindering his ability to participate in more international tournaments. Currently, ranked 156th in the world, Abbasi is confident with the proper support to achieve even greater success.Abbasi's achievements hold significance not only for himself but for Pakistan's tennis history. He's set to make history as he competes in the Para Asian Games in China from October 22nd to 28th, 2023. Abbasi firmly believes that disabled Pakistani athletes can bring honor to the nation on the global stage.Looking ahead, Abbasi's ambition extends to the Paralympics in 2024 in Paris, France. His dedication to representing Pakistan on this prestigious platform is unwavering.In light of his accomplishments, Abbasi is advocating for more support for disabled athletes in Pakistan. He emphasizes that with proper backing, disabled athletes can consistently perform on the international stage, further uplifting the nation's reputation.Asif Abbasi's journey embodies determination and a fervent belief in the potential of disabled athletes. His story is not only a personal achievement but also a call to action to acknowledge and uplift disabled athletes on their path to international success.

In all nine years of the current management of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), it was my observation that PTF officials would squander all the efforts and hard work done by the tennis loving PTF President Salim Saifullah Khan. Being here in Kuwait, it is regretful to bear witness PTF President's efforts go to waste due to the sad state of internal PTF affairs.The current PTF management in their nine years’ tenure not only wasted the existing talent, they also destroyed the future of Pakistan tennis by not producing a single capable tennis player to represent them internationally, thanks to the casual attitude, ego, and incompetent policies of a senior official of PTF.At the onset of Salim Saifullah's tenure, Aqeel Khan and Sarah Mehboob were Pakistan’s number one players, and still both these players hold the number one ranks as no new young talent could rise up.The likes of Davis Cup players Saamir Iftikhar, Abid Ali Akbar, Muzammil Murtaza and Fed cup player Mahin Aftab, each and every one of them had their talents laid to waste due to the policies of the said senior official. Same is happening with the current junior national champion and men’s top 10 ranked youngster Sami Zaib where should have been invited in trials for Davis Cup but some unknown USA based player Mujtaba Ali Khan blue eyed of top officials is invited for the Davis Cup trails purely on reference base.Similarly, an adviser to PTF kept promoting his daughter to attain all the benefits by hook or by crook while the said senior official kept promoting a certain tennis coach because of his lengthy friendship with that coach's father. Similarly the adviser used PTF to recommend her daughter to secure Tamgha-i-Imtiaz completing blowing up all merits while ignoring Islamic Games Gold Medalist, Asian Games Silver Medalist and SAF Games Gold medalist tennis players. This has brought shame not only to the entire tennis fraternity but also to the entire deserving sports & players in Pakistan.Now let us examine the performance of the PTF management. Last year, only six men’s national tournaments were held and this year none has taken place so far. Where will the national players go and how will they prepare professionally in the absence of a competitive platform?This year 2023, Pakistan Davis cup team suffered an ugly defeat from Lithuania in February in Lithuania just after defeating the same Lithuanian team in Pakistan in March 2022.The juniors Davis Cup under-16 team got the last position out of 16 in the Junior Davis Cup Asia-Oceania qualifying event held in Kazakhstan in May 2023. This defeat stands as one of the worst in the history of Pakistan tennis.In the Billie Jean King Cup Asia Oceania Group 2 event held in July 2023 in Malaysia, the ladies team got 10th position out of 12 teams and just marginally avoided relegation to Asia Oceania Group 3.In the under-14 ITF World Junior Tennis Finals event held in August 2023 in Czech Republic, the juniors team attained the last position out of 16 teams with a record bagel sets (6-0) for the defeating Pakistani players. No Pakistani could secure a single set from any opponent.This year only one positive news came out that the Junior U14 team qualified for the world group but the junior team selected for the ITF Junior Tennis Finals event couldn't even secure the Czech Republic visa as nothing was done from PTF management on time. Alternatively, they selected "B" grade team of dual nationals who got bageled in the worst way possible. The dual national coach sent with the team never even managed a street team as a captain/coach but the PTF selected him for a huge task.These few examples are enough to show the sheer incompetency of the PTF management. The onus is on the authorities who have been allowing extension to the current management without elections since November 2022.It is my final observation and question that under the captaincy of legendary Hamid Ul Haq, the Pakistan Davis Cup team beat Indonesia in Jakarta in 2015 without Aisam Ul Haq Qureshi where Abid Ali Akbar and Samir Iftikhar outshined the Indonesian team and now can Pakistan team beat them in Davis Cup again at our home ground – Islamabad -- next month without Aisam Ul Haq Qureshi? I don’t think so.(The writer is an International Certified PTR Tennis Coach from USA, ITF Certified Level II Tennis Coach, and also an Internationally Qualified high-performance pro tennis coach from Pakistan).Editor Note: If someone wants to respond to this article Sports Bulletin will welcome it (info@sports-bulletin.com) 

Asiam to lead Pakistan squad, includes Aqeel Khan, Mohammad Shoaib, Mohammad Abid, BarkatullahSports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has finalized the national team for the upcoming Davis Cup Tennis Tie against Indonesia, which will be played next month at Grass Courts of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) in the premises of Pakistan Sports Complex (PSC).According to an official, Mohammad Shoaib, Mohammad Abid, and Barkatullah became part of the national team after producing acceptable performances in the trials, which were held at Grass Courts of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) from August 16 to 21, 2023. Tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Pakistan number one Aqeel Khan were exempted from trials. Aisam will be playing captain of the Pakistan team.As many as seven players including Mohammad Shoaib, Mohammad Abid, Yousaf Khalil, Mudassir Murtaza, Barkatullah, Abdullah Adnan and Heera Ashiq took part in the trials, as per PTF National Ranking while USA-based Mujtaba Ali Khan was given a Presidential Wildcard. After an exciting and tough competition, Mohammad Shoaib, Mohammad Abid and Barkatullah have been selected for the Pakistan team.The training Camp for the Davis Cup tie will start on September 1, 2023 at the same venue. PTF Executive Committee after consulting with Davis Cup Captain Aisam ul Haq Qureshi decided that the former Davis Cup player Mushaf Zia shall be the team coach, and along with the captain, will oversee the training camp as well.Names of selected Pakistan team:Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi (Playing Captain), Aqeel Khan, Mohammad Shoaib, Mohammad Abid, Barkatullah

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The top officials of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) congratulated top national female tennis player Ushna Suhail, who was conferred with the award of TAMGHA-E-IMTIAZ by the President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi on Independence Day 14th August 2023 on her meritorious services in the field of tennis at national and international level.It is pertinent to mention here that Ushna Suhail was honoured by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), as she was presented with the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup Commitment and awarded there at a special ceremony in Kuala Lumpur during the recently held Billie Jean King Cup Asia Group 2, in July 2023. She is the solitary female Pakistani tennis player to receive a prestigious award.Ushna Suhail has represented Pakistan in the Billie Jean King Cup (formerly known as Fed Cup), Islamic Games, Asian Games, Asian Martial Arts and Indoor Games, and South Asian Games and has also been Pakistan's No-1 for several years. She is Pakistan's first and only female player who achieved WTA Ranking.President PTF, Senator Salim Saifullah Khan and other officials congratulated Ushna Suhail and her family on the award of the TAMGHA-E-IMTIAZ which is a great honour for PTF and tennis lovers. The President also stated that Ushna's award should prove to be a catalyst for other female players to achieve such laurels due to hard work and dedication.

Sports Bulletin ReportLondon (UK): In a dazzling display of unwavering talent and sheer determination, Asif Gul Abbasi etched his name in the annals of sporting history as he emerged triumphant at the inaugural "Play Your Way to Wimbledon" wheelchair tennis tournament. The electrifying event unfolded against the breathtaking backdrop of Wimbledon's revered grass courts, and Abbasi's journey to glory was nothing short of awe-inspiring.Throughout the tournament, Abbasi's march to victory remained untarnished, as he seamlessly maneuvered through the round-robin matches, each a testament to his unparalleled mastery of the sport. The climactic culmination on a sun-drenched Friday had the crowd at the edge of their seats, witnessing a display of tennis excellence that would be remembered for years.Abbasi's journey commenced with a heart-pounding opening match, where he faced a rising young star and dominated the court with an extraordinary scoreline of 6-3, 6-0. His exceptional control over the game and the tempo of play showcased his dominance and strategic prowess. The subsequent clash saw Abbasi pitted against a seasoned titan of the sport. Armed with sheer determination and tactical precision, Abbasi triumphed with an emphatic 6-2, 6-1 victory. This victory solidified his reputation as an indomitable force on the hallowed grass courts of Wimbledon.However, on the final day, Abbasi's brilliance illuminated the court as he executed a remarkable 6-0, 6-4 victory, leaving the audience in awe of his unparalleled skill and unyielding spirit. The crescendo of applause and cheers marked the culmination of Abbasi's journey to claim the coveted championship title.With an unblemished record and a display of talent that left spectators in awe, Asif Abbasi ascended the podium as the undisputed champion of the inaugural "Play Your Way to Wimbledon" Vodafone championship. His journey epitomizes the fusion of dedication, skill, and the unbreakable spirit that defines a true champion. 

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan women's tennis team defeated Guam 2-1 in Billie Jean King Cup 2023 in a well-contest match on Monday.According to an official of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), in the first singles match, Ushna Sohail outplayed Sydney Packbier in straight sets 2-0 with the score-line of 6-1, 6-2. In the second match, Sarah Ibrahim lost her match against Fremont Gibson at 3-6, 4-6.Later, in the Doubles Fixture, Sarah Ibrahim and Ushna Sohail overcame their rivals’ pair Fremont Gibson and Sydney Packbier 2-1, as the third set finished at a tie-break. The final score-line was 4-6, 6-0, and 7-6 (2). The President of PTF, Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, and the Executive Committee of PTF congratulated team members on this win.

They outclass Romanian pair 2-0 in the final with the score-line 6-3, 6-3Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Aisam ul Haq Qureshi pairing with Columbia’s Nicolas Barrientos outclassed the Romanian pair of Gabi Adrian Boitan, and Bogdan Patel in the final to clinch the title of the Concord Lassi ATP Challenger Championship trophy in Romania.Both lads displayed excellent skill of tennis and they were enough better in all departments of the game. The final score-line was 6-3, and 6-3. Earlier, in the semifinals they overcame Czech/Romanian pair of Marius Copil and Zdenek Kolar with the score-line of 7-6, 7-5.

Mohammad Ahmed, Taimoor, Ibrahim, Farhan, Salman, Saad, and Assaad register victoriesSports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Taimoor Ansari, Ibrahim Nouman, Farhan Mustafa, Salman Dinani, Mohammad Ahmed Khalid, Saad Salim, and Assaad moved into the next round of Men’s Single discipline of the 20th KC Westbury National Seniors & Juniors Tennis Championships after winning their respective matches at the Karachi Club Hard. Championships are being organized under the banner of the Karachi Tennis Association (KTA).Results (Day-1):Juniors Under-18 Singles (Round-I)Malik Hasnain beat Rayyan Shoaib 6-1, 6-1Taimoor Ansari beat Rayan Ahmed 6-2, 6-3Ejaz Abbasi beat Ahsan Ahmed 7-6, 6-3Laraib Shamsi beat Abdul Nafay 2-6, 6-3, 4-1 rtdDhuraf Das beat Abdullah Razzaq 6-0, 6-3Karish Kumar beat Muqeet Baloch 6-2, 6-2Boys Under-14 Singles (Round-1)AbouBaker Admani beat Ansarullah 4-1, 4-2Fahad Gul beat Arham Shehzad 4-0, 4-0Abdullah Razzaq beat Abdul Baseer 4-0, 4-0Mohammad Noor beat Permaish Chohan 4-1, 4-1Mohammad Yahaya w/o Mammad MalikBoys Under-12 Singles (Round-1)AbouBaker Admani beat Arman Ali 4-0, 4-2Zayd Zaman beat Ansarullah 5-3, 4-2Arsh Imran beat Rohan Das 4-2, 3-5, 4-0Abdul Baseer beat Umer Zaman 4-0, 4-1Meer Abbas Bhagat beat Aahil Imran 4-1, 1-4, 4-0Men’s Singles (Round-1)Taimoor Ansari beat Rayan Ahmed 8-0Ibrahim Nouman beat Mohammad Hussain Abid 8-0Farhan Mustafa beat Arshad Shahid 8-0Salman Dinani beat Major Zulfiqar 8-2Mohammad Ahmed Khalid beat Haseeb Jawed 8-3Saad Salim beat Ammad Danish 8-6Assaad beat Idrees Nooruddin 8-1 

Parents applaud the performance of players, Pakistani team squad arrive backSports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: A four-member tennis team accompanied by Captain Mohammad Khalid Rehmani of the International Lawn Tennis Club of Pakistan took part in the Under-16 Invitational International Lawn Tennis (IC) Asia Oceania Developmental League that was held in Tokyo Japan.According to the official press release, the team consisted of Mikaeel Ali Baig, Samer Zaman, Eschelle Asif, and Daliah Ashraf. Besides Pakistan, India, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Israel, Australia New Zealand, and Hong Kong were participant nations of the elite tennis contest. Also, Pakistan, Japan, and India featured in this biannual event of IC International.The primary objective of the IC developmental league was to raise friendship and international connections through the medium of tennis. Pakistani, Indian, and Japanese players united for a four-day multicultural experience, engaging in team matches that showcased the values of camaraderie, fair play, and sportsmanship. The event was held at the Olympic Games Tennis venue Areaka Olympic Garden Tennis Complex Tokyo.The event commenced with an opening ceremony, where the players were introduced, and the flags of their respective countries were proudly raised. A regular Philanthropy clinic followed, where the Pakistani players took the opportunity to interact with and mentor young deaf children who were new to tennis. They provided guidance on serving, forehand shots, and backhand shots. The Pakistani girls, Daliah and Eschelle were seen demonstrating tennis rallying shots to the young children and also showed them how to hold rackets and taught them the basics of tennis.To conclude the day, Mikaeel and Samer, alongside Japanese partners, played a friendly doubles match, emphasizing the spirit of cross-cultural collaboration. A delightful cross-cultural dinner experience sealed the day's events.Over the next few days, the teams engaged in numerous friendly matches against each other. India dominated in these Invitational friendly matches beating Japan and Pakistan. Additionally, they had the chance to partake in cultural activities such as learning Japanese calligraphy, visiting the renowned Senso-ji shrine, and enjoying a city bus tour.On the final day, the teams exchanged tokens of appreciation as gifts. Mikaeel Ali Baig, demonstrating exceptional skill and sportsmanship, was honored with the prestigious IC Rod Laver Sportsmanship award, and he was also recognized as the upcoming player of the league.Ayesha Alibaig, Mikaeel's mother, expressed her appreciation for the well-organized event, highlighting the team's exposure to a different culture and the opportunity to compete against players from various countries. She emphasized the importance of support from federations and private sponsors in enabling young tennis players to travel and participate in international events. Mikaeel's individual achievements, including winning multiple championships in Japan before the IC event, further underscored the need for continued support and encouragement for emerging talent in the sport.