Pakistani teenagers confirm their berth in ITF Asia Under-12 finals
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
Kathmandu (Nepal): India overcame Pakistan 2-0 in the final of the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) Under-12 Team Competition Qualifying Event that concluded in Kathmandu, Nepal on Friday.
According to available information from abroad, despite the loss against India, Pakistani teenagers have secured a spot in the ITF Asia U12 Finals set to take place in Kazakhstan later this year.
Non-playing team Captain Abid said: "The team's overall performance was remarkable, as the boys played exceptionally well throughout the tournament, making it to the final and qualifying for the World Championships. Unfortunately, we couldn't tide-over India in the final. We need to work harder, and Insha’Allah, we will perform very well in Kazakhstan."
Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) said: "The team's performance in the competition was great and acceptable, as our guys defeated Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh to reach the final. We are focusing on junior development in Pakistan. Our team's participation in the competition after two years and reaching the final is a substantial achievement. Qualifying for the ITF Asia U12 finals is a significant milestone."
Former Davis Cupper and Pride of performance Hameed Ul Haq said in his statement: “Although, we lost the final against India, however, Pakistani talented players produced notable performances in the tournament and confirmed their berth in the Kazakhstan fixture. I congratulate the junior boys and captain for advancing to the U-12 qualifying event.
Results (Final):
In the first Singles: Puneeth Manohar beat Rashid Ali Bachani 6-0, 6-0
In the 2nd Singles: Aana Akshaykumar Chhallan beat Mohammad Shayan Afridi 6-4, 6-3
Semifinal (Pakistan beat Bangladesh 3-0):
1st Singles: Rashid Ali Bachani beat Mohammad Haider 6-1, 6-1
2nd Singles: Mohammad Shayan Afridi beat Jobair Islam 6-1, 6-0
Doubles: Rashid Ali Bachani / Mohammad Junaid Khan beat Faheem Sourov Hossian / Jobair Islam 6-1, 6-1.
