Islamabad (faisal): Pakistan’s internationally recognised wheelchair tennis player and coach, Asif Gul Abbasi reached Japan to represent Pakistan at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, taking place from 18 to 24 October.
Abbasi has built an impressive international career while overcoming the challenges associated with a physical disability. A former world top-100 player, he achieved a career-high International Tennis Federation (ITF) wheelchair tennis ranking of No. 82 in August 2018, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan in the sport.
His achievements include three international ITF wheelchair tennis titles, four UK National Wheelchair Tennis Championships and two victories at the Play Your Way to Wimbledon wheelchair tennis event, in 2023 and 2025. He was also runner-up at the 2026 Play Your Way to Wimbledon National Championships.
Abbasi has represented Pakistan at World Team Cup qualifying events in Turkey in 2022, Thailand in 2023 and Sri Lanka in 2024. Pakistan secured a bronze medal at the 2024 qualifying event in Sri Lanka. He also made history at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou by becoming the first Pakistani wheelchair tennis player to win a match at the competition.
His latest appearance at the Asian Para Games represents another opportunity to raise Pakistan’s profile in international wheelchair tennis and demonstrate the potential of athletes with disabilities.
“Representing Pakistan on the international stage is a matter of immense pride for me. Every time I compete, I carry the hopes of my country with me. My journey has involved many challenges, but my determination to represent Pakistan and inspire other people with disabilities has never changed,” Abbasi said.He added that his long-term ambition extends beyond competing internationally.
“I want my journey to encourage young people with disabilities to believe in themselves and pursue sport. Pakistan has talented people who need opportunities, proper training and encouragement. If my experience can help another player begin their journey, that will be another meaningful achievement for me.”
Post-Games activities in Lahore
Following the Asian Para Games, Abbasi is expected to return to Lahore for a series of tennis development activities.
He plans to participate in a tennis and padel collaboration with New Pak Surgical on 30 or 31 October, with the final date to be confirmed.He is also scheduled to compete in the National Wheelchair Tennis Tournament in Lahore on 1 November.
During his visit, Abbasi intends to conduct wheelchair tennis coaching for local coaches, sharing his international experience, practical knowledge and coaching expertise to support the development of wheelchair tennis in Pakistan.
A qualified tennis coach with extensive experience, Abbasi believes that developing local coaching capacity is essential to creating a stronger pathway for Pakistani wheelchair tennis players to compete internationally.
His visit will therefore combine international competition with efforts to promote grassroots participation, coach education and greater awareness of disability sport.Abbasi’s journey highlights the importance of sporting opportunities, international exposure and sustained development programmes in helping Pakistani athletes with disabilities reach their potential.
