Tennis - National
Begum Kulsum National Ranking Tennis Championships conclude
Muzammil Murtaza stuns Mohammad Shoaib 2-0 in Men’s Singles final to lift titleSports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The 10th Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan National Ranking Tennis Championships 2024 concluded at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Islamabad, as Muzammil Murtaza outplayed Mohammad Shoaib in straight sets 2-0 in the men’s singles final. The score-line was just 6-3, and 6-2.The closing ceremony was graced by HE Ladislav Steinhubel, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Pakistan, as the chief guest, and the Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, Patron PTF, as the guest of honour. The ceremony was also attended by prominent figures including Anwar Saifullah Khan, Javed Saifullah Khan, Usman Saifullah Khan, Asad Saifullah Khan, and Qamar Zaman ex-Chairman NAB, Hassan Baig, Tufail Cheema -Secretary-ITA, Col. Zia-ud-din Tufail (Secretary General, PTF), Col. Gul Rehman (Director, PTF Complex), as well as a large gathering of tennis players, coaches, parents, media representatives, and tennis lovers.In the closing Ceremony, A cash award of Rs. 25,000/- was presented to young tennis prodigy Hassan Usmani for his remarkable achievements in U-14 tournaments held in Saudi Arabia and Aaghabat, showcasing his promising talent on international platforms. Additionally, a shield was awarded to Mahboob Khan, the longest-serving coach of Pakistan and a USPTR-certified coach, for his invaluable contributions to the development of tennis in the country. Results (Finals):Men’s Singles: Muzammil Murtaza beat Mohammad Shoaib 6-3, 6-2Ladies Singles: Amna Ali Qayum beat Soha Ali 6-3, 6-4Boys’ U14: Hassan Usmani beat Ruhab Faisal 6-2, 6-0Boys’ U12: Shayan Afridi beat Rashid Ali 6-1, 6-0.
Begum Kulsum National Tennis: Mohammad Sohaib, Yousaf, Muzammil, Aqeel reach in semifinals
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Yousaf Khalil, Muzammil Murtaza, Aqeel Khan, and Mohammad Shoaib qualified for Men’s Singles semifinals of the 10th Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan National Ranking Tennis Championships 2024 after beating their respective opponents here at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex on Friday.ResultsMen's Singles (Quarterfinals): Yousaf Khalil beat Mohammad Abid 4-6, 7-5, 6-2Muzammil Murtaza beat Barkatullah 7-5, 6-2Aqeel Khan beat Shahzad Khan 6-3, 6-4Mohammad Shoaib beat Abdullah Adnan 6-4, 6-3Ladies’ Singles (Quarterfinals):Noor Malik beat Lalarukh Sajid 6-0, 6-0Amna Ali Qayum beat Labika Durab 6-0, 6-1Soha Ali beat Mahrukh Sajid 6-0, 6-3Meheq Khokhar beat Zunaisaha Noor 4-6, 6-1, 6-3Men's Doubles (Semifinals):Barkatullah / Yousaf Khalil beat Abdullah Adnan / Herra Ashiq 7-5, 7-6 (5)Mohammad Shoaib / Muzammil Murtaza beat Abubakar Talha / Mohammad Abid 7-6, (5), 6-2Boys’ U18 (Semifinals):Bilal Asim beat Mohammad Yahya 6-3, 6-1Abubakar Talha beat Hamza Roman 7-5, 6-4Boys’ U14 (Quarterfinals):Ruhab Faisal beat Waqas Janas 4-1, 5-3Hassan Usmani beat Zohaib Amjad 4-0, 4-0Mohammad Shayan Afridi beat Razik Sultan 4-2, 4-1Mohammad Junaid beat Ismail Aftab 1-4, 5-4 (3)
Begum Kulsum National Tennis: Mohammad Shoaib overcomes Ahmad Nael 2-1
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: It was a nerve-jangling contest of the day, when top national tennis player, Mohammad Shoaib struggled hard to overcome his challengers Ahmad Nael Qureshi 2-1 in the Men’s Singles of the 10th Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan National Ranking Tennis Championships 2024 at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Wednesday. The final score-line was 6-7 (7), 6-3, and 6-2.Both players exhibited top class tennis during the three sets competitions, however, resistance from Nael did not allow Mohammad Shoaib to take a single sigh of breath during the whole match. First set was remarkable, as the upcoming star Ahmed Nael won that on tie-break 7-6.Results:Men's Singles:Muzammil Murtaza beat Sami Zeb Khan 6-3, 6-4Barkatullah beat Gibran ul Haq 6-1, 6-0Mohammad Shoaib beat Ahmad Nael Qureshi 6-7 (7), 6-3, 6-2Aqeel Khan beat Huzamia Abdul Rehman 6-3, 6-4Ladies Singles:Laiba Iqbal beat Fatima Ali Raja 6-2, 6-1Noor Malik beat Shandana Rabi 6-0, 6-0Zaira Ahmed beat Saleha Batool 6-0, 4-6, 6-1Aman Khan beat Maria Khan 6-2, 6-3Boys’ U18 Singles: Ahtesham Humayun beat Ruhab Faisal 6-3, 6-3Bilal Asim beat Azan Shahid 6-0, 6-1Mohammad Yahya beat Nabeel Ali Qayum 7-6 (5), 6-1Asad Zaman beat Haziq Asim 5-7, 6-2, 6-1Hamza Asim beat Shehryar Anees 6-3, 6-2Abubakar Talha beat Huzaifa Khan 6-2, 6-3Mohammad Salar beat Amir MAzari 3-6, 6-3, 6-2Hamza Roman beat Omer Jawad 6-3, 6-2Boys’ U 14 Singles: Mohammad Aayan beat Majid Ali Bachani 4-1, 4-2Ismail Aftab beat Behroze Maimoon 4-1, 4-0Razik Sultan beat Aaliyan Ali 4-0, 4-0Ruhab Faisal beat Rashid Ali Bachani 4-2, 4-0Zohaib Amjad beat Mozzam Babar 4-0, 4-2.
Begum Kulsum National Ranking Championships start in Islamabad
Abdul Jabbar FaisalIslamabad: The main round of the 10th Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan National Ranking Tennis Championships 2024 started here at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex on Tuesday, as the tournament is being played under the banner of Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF).It is pertinent to mention here that the prestigious national tennis tournament is organized annually to honour the memory of the late Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan, mother of PTF Patron Senator Salim Saifullah Khan.A large number of players, including Pakistan's top-ranked athletes such as Aqeel Khan, Mohammad Shoaib, Muzammil Murtaza, Mohammad Abid, Barkatullah, Shahzad Khan, Yousaf Khalil, Heera Ashiq, Meheq Khokhar, Amna Ali Qayum are competing in their respective categories.Results (Men's Singles 1st Round): Mohammad Hamza Aasim beat Mohammad Huzaifa Khan 6-0, 6-4; Uzair Khan beat Mohammad Talha Khan 6-4, 5-7, 6-2; Abdullah Adnan beat Bilal Asim 6-2, 6-3; Mohammad Salar beat Mohammad Haziq Asim 6-3, 6-4; Mohammad Abid beat Asad Zaman 6-0, 6-0; Shahzad Khan beat Shehryar Anees 6-2, 6-0; Heera Ashiq beat Mohammad Yahya 6-0, 6-1; Omer Jawad beat Abdul Basit 4-6, 6-4, 6-3; Hamza Roman beat Murtaza Hussain 6-2, 6-3; Yousaf Khalil beat Abubakar Talha 6-4, 6-2; Saqib Hayat beat Rayan Ahmad Khan 6-1, 6-0; Ahtesham Humayun beat Amir Mazari 6-4, 7-5.Boys U18 Singles (1st Round): Azan Shahid beat Mohammad Dawood 6-2, 6-2; Ruhab Faisal beat Ismail Aftab 6-3, 6-3; Nabeel Ali Qayum w/o Junaid Khan; Mohammad Salar beat Razik Sultan 6-2, 6-4; Bilal Asim beat Hazrat Ali 6-0, 6-0; Asad Zaman beat Ali Zain 6-2, 6-4; Hamza Roman beat Talha Khan 6-2, 6-3; Haziq Asim beat Hamza Hussain 6-3, 6-1;
Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan National Ranking Tennis Championships 2024
Islamabad (SBR): The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) announced on Sunday that the main-round of the 10th Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan National Ranking Tennis Championships 2024 will start on December 31, here at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex.According to an official of the PTF, this prestigious tournament is being organized annually to honour the memory of the late Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan, mother of PTF Patron Senator Salim Saifullah Khan.A large number of players, including Pakistan's top-ranked athletes such as Aqeel Khan, Mohammad Shoaib, Muzammil Murtaza, Mohammad Abid, Barkatullah, Shahzad Khan, Yousaf Khalil, Heera Ashiq, Meheq Khokhar, Amna Ali Qayum, Sheeza Sajid, and Soha Ali, are competing in this mega event.More than 200 entries from all over Pakistan have been received for competitions in six different categories including Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Ladies Singles, Boys’ 18 & Under Singles, Boys’ 14 & Under Singles, Boys’ 12 & Under Singles. The main draw matches will start on Tuesday.
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.
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.
Mohammad Shoaib wins Anwar Khawaja Memorial National Tennis Tournament
Sports Bulletin ReportSIALKOT: The Anwar Khawaja Memorial National Ranking Tennis Tournament was held successfully in Sialkot that concluded on November 2, 2024 with the victory of Mohammad Shoaib, who defeated Muzammil Murtaza in final in straightsets 2-0.This landmark tournament, the first national tennis event ever hosted by Sialkot, featured the highest prize money among similar tournaments and attracted an impressive 210 entries across eight categories: Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Ladies Singles, Ladies Doubles, Boys 18 & Under Singles, Girls 18 & Under Singles, Boys 14 & Under Singles, and Boys 12 & Under Singles.Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), expressed his delight with the event's success, saying, “This is the first tournament of its kind in Sialkot’s history, and we are determined to make it an annual event.” He extended his heartfelt gratitude to Khawar Khawaja, Asma Khawaja, and all the sponsors, whose support made the tournament possible. Asma Khawar Khawaja, the Tournament Director, also shared her joy at the positive feedback from participants. "We made every effort to make this event memorable and historic, and the players' positive feedback confirms its success,” she said. She thanked all participants and added, “Sialkot is renowned for its sports heritage, and we are committed to making this an annual tradition.”Results (Finals):Men’s Singles: Mohammad Shoaib (PAF) beat Muzammil Murtaza (Army) 7-5, 6-3Men’s Doubles: Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi / Muzammil Murtaza beat Barkatullah / Yousaf Khalil 6-2, 6-0Ladies Singles: Ushna Suhail beat Sheeza Sajid 6-2, 6-2Ladies Doubles: Ushna Suhail / Meheq Khokhar beat Soha Ali / Sheeza Sajid 6-1, 6-1Boys’ U18 Singles: Mohammad Talha beat Mohammad Salar Khan 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.Girls’ U18 Singles: Sheeza Sajid beat Soha Ali, 6-2, 6-4Boys’ U14 Singles: Omar Jawad defeated Muzammil Bhand, 6-4, 6-1.
Sheheryar Malik Memorial Pakistan Open: Muzamil outplays Aqeel 2-1
Lahore (October 24, 2024): The Sheheryar Malik Memorial Pakistan Open Tennis Championship 2024 saw intense action in the men's singles quarterfinals, where Muzamil Murtaza battled past veteran Aqeel Khan in a gripping three-set match, winning 6-7, 7-5, 6-4. The thrilling encounter kept spectators on edge at the Sports Board Punjab Tennis Academy, Nishtar Park Lahore on Thursday.Murtaza, who had a challenging start after losing the first set in a tiebreak, displayed remarkable resilience to overcome Aqeel Khan's experience and claim the win. The victory marks a significant step for Murtaza as he advances to the semifinals of the prestigious tournament.Joining Murtaza in the semifinals is Mohammad Abid, who comfortably dispatched Abubakar Talha with a straight-sets victory, 6-3, 6-3. Barkat Ullah also secured his place in the next round after Yousaf Khalil retired following a tight first set, ending 6-7. In another three-set thriller, Mohammad Shoaib Khan made a comeback after dropping the first set, defeating Abdullah Adnan 6-7, 6-0, 6-1 to complete the men's singles semifinal lineup.Ladies singles semifinals: Noor Malik triumphed over Sheeza Sajid 6-4, 6-2, while Ushna Sohail cruised past Mehaq Khokhar 6-0, 6-0 to set up an exciting final.Seniors 40+ doubles semifinals: Talha Waheed (Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd) and Sheheryar Salamat secured a 6-2, 6-3 win over Arif Feroze and Tariq Sadiq.Seniors 65+ semifinals: Waqar Nisar and Inam ul Haq beat Saeed Khan and Malik Imtiaz 6-3, 6-1, while Asad Niaz and Kamran Mir edged Brig Ghazanfar and M Babar 6-0, 6-4.Boys U-14 semifinals: Hassan Usmani defeated Ruhab Faisal 1-4, 4-2, 4-1, and Omer Jawas swept Abdur Rehman 4-0, 4-0. (Press Release):
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