Sports Bulletin

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.

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: A 5-member squad of the International Lawn Tennis Club of Pakistan (ILTCP) on Monday reached the capital city of Japan Tokyo to participate in the three-nation Invitational Tennis fixture IC Rod Laver Junior Tennis League.Pakistan’s squad is consisting of 2 boys, 2 girls, and an official for the international tennis juniors’ fixture. Pakistan, India, and a couple of teams from Japan will take part in the competitions. Eschelle Asif, Daliah Shazim, Mikaeel Ali Baig, Samer Zaman are the part of contingent while Mohammad Khalid Rehmani will accompany the squad as non-playing captain-cum-manager. It is pertinent to mention here that Mekaeel Ali Baig was already in Japan for 15 days with her mother Sysha Ali Baig taking part in Asian Tennis Federation’s Asian Ranking Juniors tournaments. Samer Zaman is Asian and ranked 115 today in the Under-14 age category. Daliah and Eschelle are top two Under-14 tennis girls of province Sindh.The format of the competition is league basis 2 Boys’ Singles, 2 Girls’ Singles, 1 Boys’ Doubles, and 1 Girls’ Doubles will be played. All teams will play each other and winner team will qualify for IC junior leagues final in Santiago later this year.

Level III Qualified tennis coach Asim Shafiq guides well: Says Mohammad ShoaibAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD:-Pakistan Number two tennis player, Mohammad Shoaib, 21 years old, said that he was toiling hard on the court to occupy the number one spot in the national tennis ranking, and he would soon be Pakistan’s number one tennis player.Mohammad Shoaib, during an exclusive interview with www.sports-bulletin.com here added that he defeated Pakistan No.1 Aqeel Khan thrice in different national fixtures in the recent past. “I have the ability to become Pakistan’s number one. Aqeel Khan is a great player and now 42, he uses his experience to overcome the young tennis lads. I am working hard under the coaching of Asim Shafiq, who is a level-III coach. Kamran Khalil is also a level-III coach in Pakistan. Barkatullah is my partner in doubles and we are at the number one position in the national ranking.”Pakistan No. 2 tennis lad further said, “Nowadays, I practice in two sessions under the supervision of Asim Shafiq. In the morning I play with my teammate Barakatullah on the court for three hours in the dog days of June, as the temperature goes over 40 centigrade. We start our morning session at 9:30 am and in the morning around 4:00 pm which includes gym practice too for physical fitness. The tennis complex has a small fitness gym but it fulfills our needs, “he maintained. While responding to a question, a Peshawar-based tennis guy said that he represented Pakistan in Davis Cup competitions including seniors and juniors fixtures. “At the national level, I play with Barkatullah, Adnan Abdullah, and Khalil Yousaf and I enjoy playing with these guys. I am fully concentrating on my game and willing to move ahead at the international level by playing good tennis. Asim Bhai is coaching me very well.”“Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) is supporting me very well and providing all facilities including diet and others. I live in the tennis complex and PTF provides standard food and other gear balls etc. Here the courts hard and clay both are according to the demands of international competitions. When I started to play tennis around 10 years back I was playing in Shilwar and Qameez (local dress) and my uncle (Mamu) asked me to play tennis, “he concluded.