Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Under-12 Boys’ tennis team has left for Kazakhstan to participate in the ATF U12 Team Competition Final 2024, scheduled to take place in Shymkent from September 16 to 21, 2024. Three players including Mohammad Shayan Afridi, Rashid Ali, and Mohammad Junaid along with non-playing captain-cum-coach Mohammad Abid will represent Pakistan in an international juniors’ tennis fixture.According to an official of Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), the team will also attend a three-week training camp, one week before the event and two weeks after, as part of a historic in collaboration between the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) and the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation (KTF).This is the second time Pakistan has reached the final stage of this prestigious event. In 2021, Pakistan triumphed over India to win the championship. Syria, and Saudi Arabia from West Asia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan from Central Asia, Pakistan and India from South Asia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam from Southeast Asia and China, Chinese Taipei, and Korea from East Asia will participate in the 6-day competitions.As a result of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the PTF and KTF, the Pakistani team will benefit from extensive training in Shymkent. This is the first time Pakistani players will attend a training camp abroad, which is expected to significantly enhance their skills. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the PTF, extended his best wishes to the team, urging them to play with full force and bring home the title. He emphasized the importance of the MOU, stating that such initiatives will give young players opportunities to showcase their talent and improve their skills. He also expressed gratitude to the KTF for hosting the Pakistani team.

Mohammad Shoaib to face Aqeel Khan in Men’s Singles final at PTF Complex on FridayAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Mohammad Shoaib will encounter senior tennis player Aqeel Khan in the men’s singles final of Khawar Hyat Khan Memorial National Ranking Tennis Tournament on Friday after winning their respective semifinals here at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex on Thursday. Ushna Suhail will take on Aama Ali Qayum in the women’s singles final before the men’s final at the same venue soon after the Jumma Prayer.In the Boys’ Under-18 final, Ahmad Nael Qureshi defeated Bilal Asim with the score-line of 4-6,7-5, 3-3 (Retd) while in Boys’ U12 final, Shayan Afridi outclassed Rashid Ali in straight games with the score-line of 4-2,4-2.Results:Men's Singles (Semifinals):Aqeel Khan beat Muzammil Murtaza 6-3, 6-4Mohammad Shoaib beat Yousaf Khalil 6-1, 6-1 Ladies Singles (Semifinals):Ushna Suhail beat Soha Ali 6-4, 6-4Aama Ali Qayum beat Sheeza Sajid 3-6, 6-3, 6-2Boys’ U18 (Final): Ahmad Nael Qureshi beat Bilal Asim 4-6, 7-5, 3-3 (Retd)Boys’ U12 (Final): Shayan Afridi beat Rashid Ali 4-2, 4-2Boys’ U12 (Semifinals):Rashid Ali beat Mohammad Muaz 4-2, 4-1Shayan Afridi beat Mohammad Junaid 4-2, 4-0Friday’s schedule:Ladies Singles Final: 3:00 pm ( Ushna Suhail vs Amna Ali Qayum) 6-0Men's Singles Final (Aqeel Khan vs Mohammad Shoaib).

Aqeel Khan, Mohammad Shoaib, Yousaf Khalil, and Muzamil Murtaza reach in semifinalsSports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Aqeel Khan, Mohammad Shoaib, Yousaf Khalil, and Muzamil Murtaza moved into the semifinals of the Men’s Singles fixture of the Khawar Hyat Khan Memorial National Ranking Tennis Tournament after beating their respective rivals at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex in Islamabad on Wednesday.Results:Men's Singles (Quarterfinals): Muzammil Murtaza beat Abdullah Adnan 5-7, 7-5, 7-5Mohammad Shoaib beat Mudassir Murtaza 5-7, 6-3, 6-2Yousaf Khalil beat Barkatullah 4-6, 6-4, 6-3Aqeel Khan beat Ahmad Nael Qureshi 6-3, 6-1Men's Doubles (Quarterfinals):Mudassir Murtaza / Shahzad Khan beat Mohammad Talha Khan / Mohammad Huzaifa Khan 6-1, 6-0 Hamza Roman / Saqib Hayat beat Sami Zeb Khan / Abdullah Adnan 7-6 (3), 6-7 (5), 10-8 Boys’ U18 Singles (Quarterfinals): Bilal Asim beat Mohammad Salar 6-1, 6-4Hamza Roman beat Abdullah Azhar 6-3, 6-3Ahmad Nael Qureshi beat Asad Zaman 6-1, 6-4Boys 14& under Singles Quarter-Finals: Muhammad Junaid bt Zohaib Amjad 4-0,1-4,4-2; M.Hassan Usmani bt M. Ibraheem Gill 4-0,4-0Boys 12& under Singles Quarter-Finals: Rashid Ali bt Robin Amoun 4-0,4-0; M. Ibraheem Gill bt M. Suhaib Javed 4-1,4-1.

Aqeel Khan, Saqib Hayat, Mohammad Hamza, Ahmed Babar, Bilal Asim, Hamza Roman, Mohammad Shoaib clinch victoriesSports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Aqeel Khan, Saqib Hayat, Mohammad Hamza, Ahmed Babar, Bilal Asim, Hamza Roman,  Mohammad Shoaib, Yousaf Khalil, Mohammad Huzaifa Khan, Asad Zaman, Ahmad Nael Qureshi, Muzammil Murtaza, Shahzad Khan, Abdullah Adnan, Barkatullah, and Mudassir Murtaza have won their respective matches of Men’s Singles event of the Khawar Hyat Khan Memorial National Ranking Tennis Tournament after beating their opponents here at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex on Sunday.Results:Men's Singles (Round-1):  Aqeel Khan beat Kamran Maqbool 6-3, 6-3; Saqib Hayat beat Salar Khan 6-7 (4),  6-2, 6-2; Mohammad Hamza Aasim beat Shehryar Anees 4-6, 6-2, 6-3; Ahmed Babar beat Haider Ali Rizwan 6-4, 6-4; Bilal Asim beat Ahtesham Humayun 6-1, 6-2; Hamza Roman beat Shahid Afridi 7-6 (4), 6-2; Mohammad Shoaib beat Rayan Khan 6-1, 6-1; Yousaf Khalil beat Mohammad Ali 6-2 (Retd); Mohammad Huzaifa Khan beat Mohammad Haziq Aasim 6-3, 6-1; Asad Zaman beat Gibran ul Haq 6-4, 6-1; Ahmad Nael Qureshi beat Uzair Khan 6-0, 6-0; Muzammil Murtaza beat Murtaza Hussain 6-1, 6-2; Shahzad Khan beat Syed Nofil Kaleem 6-1, 6-1; Abdullah Adnan beat Mohammad Talha Khan 4-6, 6-3, 7-5; Barkatullah beat Sami Zeb Khan 6-2, 7-5; Mudassir Murtaza beat huzaima Abdul Rehman 6-1, 6-1Boys’ U14 (Round-1):  Anis Khan beat Salar Khan 4-0, 4-0; Mohammad Shayan Afridi beat Mohammad Faizan 4-1, 4-1; Mohammad Aayan beat Ahmed Ayan ul Haq 4-0, 4-1.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Khawar Hyat Khan Memorial National Ranking Tennis Tournament commenced today at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex in Islamabad. This tournament is being held in honour of the late Khawar Hyat Khan, who served as the Senior Executive Vice President-PTF from 2015 until his passing on 26th January 2024.The tournament has attracted more than 250 entries across seven different categories including  Men's Singles, Men's Doubles, Ladies Singles, Boys 18 & under Singles, Boys 14 & under Singles, Boys 12 & Under Singles and Senior Doubles 50 & above, demonstrating the passion and dedication of tennis players from all over Pakistan. Results (Men's Singles Final Qualifying Round):Kamran Khan beat Mohammad  Talha Khan 6-1; Mohammad Ali beat Kashan Tariq 6-0 ; Mohammad Haziq Aasim beat Kamran Nisar 6-2; Syed Murtaza Hussain beat Ubaida Ilyas 6-0; Shehryar Anees beat Abdullah Azhar 6-2; Shahid Afridi beat Zain Saeed 6-0; Haider Ali Rizwan beat Saifullah 6-0; Rayan Khan beat Syed Hamza Hussain 6-4.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi called on the newly appointed Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Mohammad Yasir Pirzada at his office in Pakistan Sports Complex.On this occasion, tennis star Aisam congratulated to Pirzada on assuming his role as DG-PSB. Pirzada thanked Aisam and assured Aisam to provide full support for the promotion of tennis in the country. Also, Pirzada felicitated Aisam on becoming the President of PTF.During the meeting, Aisam briefed Pirzada on various tennis activities in Pakistan including the upcoming Davis Cup against Barbados in September 2024, recent visit of ATP representative to Pakistan, ITF Futures, ITF Juniors, and the Pakistani teams' international commitments.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The month-long Ali Embroidery High Performance Tennis Training Camp has successfully concluded at the Punjab Tennis Academy, Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore. The closing ceremony was graced by former hockey legend and Olympian Shahbaz Senior as the chief guest, alongside notable guests Hafiz Umair Nadeem Butt, Chief Financial Officer of Ali Embroidery Mills, Mohammad Ramzan Sajid, Manager Finance & Accounts, former Davis Cupper Rashid Malik (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz), former international hockey players Ch Khalid Rasool, Naseem Ahmad, former PTF Secretary Col (R) Asif Dar, Waqar Nisar, as well as tennis players and their families. The camp featured top tennis players from various age groups, who were trained and polished under the expert guidance of Rashid Malik, serving as camp commandant. His team included former national tennis player Asif Feroze, former Junior Davis Cup player and Pakistan junior No. 1 Ahmad Babar, and national player Imran Bhatti. During the ceremony, Shahbaz Senior shared his admiration for Rashid Malik, saying, "Rashid Malik is a great asset for Pakistan tennis, having dedicated the last 30 years to the sport. His passion and dedication have kept tennis alive in the province. We need such active coaches and organizers in hockey as well, as it can surely help revive the national game in our country." Addressing a query about the revival of hockey, Shahbaz said: "The revival of hockey is a long-term process requiring full financial support from the government and corporate sector, and at least five years to set Pakistan hockey on the right track. PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid is making sincere efforts in this regard, and we fully support him in reviving hockey in Pakistan." Rashid Malik expressed his gratitude to Tariq Zaman, CEO of Ali Embroidery Mills, for sponsoring the camp. "I am grateful to Tariq Zaman for sponsoring this High Performance Tennis Training Camp for the third consecutive year. This camp will benefit the top players of Punjab in the long run and they, in return, will earn national and international accolades for their province and country." 

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has announced to stage a Summer Camp for kids, which will run from June 24 to August 1, 2024, at PTF Tennis Complex Islamabad.According to an official of PTF, summer camp aims for a healthy and engaging activity for children during their summer vacations, and provide an excellent opportunity to learn and enjoy tennis, make new friends, and enhance their physical fitness.President-PTF Aisam ul Haq Qureshi said: "The summer camp is a nice initiative of PTF for kids. It's a wonderful chance for them to enjoy tennis in the beautiful environment of PTF, and to learn the sport with our certified coaches."

Yousaf Khalil, and Mohammad Shoaib overcome Mohammad Abid, and Aqeel Khan in finalAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) outclassed WAPDA 2-0 to clinch the title of the 1st PTF Inter-Department Tennis Trophy 2024, which was played at PTF Tennis Complex Garden Avenue Islamabad on Tuesday. SNGPL defeated Pakistan Navy 2-0.In the first singles of the final, Pakistan Air Force once again took off his flight in a victories style and Yousaf Khalil (PAF) eliminated Mohammad Abid (WAPDA) in a well contested two set match 6-2, 6-4. In the first set Yousaf Khalil played an excellent game from the beginning and did not allow his opponent to settle down by breaking 5th and 7th games of Abid and finished the set at 6-2. In the second set both the players exhibited an excellent game of tennis with the combination of long rallies, and cross-court down the lines, and the score went up to 5-4 in favour of Yousaf with the break of 3rd game of Mohammad Abid. In the 10th game, Yousaf played an attacking game and won the set and match 6-2, 6-4, the match lasted 1 hour and 29 minutes, officiated by ITF White Badge Umpire Husnain Mehmood.In the second singles, 23 years old Mohammad Shoaib (PAF) upset Pakistan No.1 Aqeel Khan (WAPDA) in an exciting thrilling, see-saw match which lasted over 1 hour 36 minutes 7-5, 6-4 to win the 1st Inter-Department 2024 team competition. Both the players exhibited excellent game of tennis and proved their strength, the score went up to 5-5 games all by holding their own serve, in the crucial 11th game Shoaib returned some marvellous shots and with the combination of cross-court and down-the-line and at the 15-40 grab the game by hitting powerfully down the line return. In the second set, Aqeel Khan tried his best to compete with the pace and speed of Shoaib but was unable to catch him. After breaking the first game of Aqeel Khan, Shoaib continued to accelerate his pace and put pressure on Aqeel Khan till the 9th game of Aqeel in which Aqeel hardly to save the game in which he hit one double fault and 7 duce. In the 10th game, Shoaib hit 2 aces and doubled the pace to run for the victory at 6-4. The match lasted 2 hrs 20 minutes officiated by ITF White Badge Umpire Shahzad Akhtar Alvi.In the last round of matches, SNGPL comfortably overcame Pakistan Navy. In the first singles Ahmed Babar (SNGPL) proved too good against Faizan Fayyazn Khan (NAVY) and won his match in a straight set 6-2 6-3. In the second match, Saqib Hayat (SNGPL) struggled hard to win his encounter against Asad Zaman (NAVY). Saqib Hayat comfortably pocketed the first set at 6-3 by breaking the 4th game of Asad. In the second sent Asad Zaman changed his strategy and played an excellent game from the baseline, and the score went up to 5-5 games all, in the 12th game Asad got a chance and played superbly and broke the game of Saqib Hyat to level the score 1-1 set all. In the final set, Saqib Hayat came back aggressively the score went up to 4-4 games. Saqib Hayat broke the 9th game of Asad and built up the winning lead 5-4 and then by holding the 10th game finished the set and match 6-3 5-7 6-4. The match lasted 2 hours 10 minutes and was officiated by Asif Ali. A total of Rs.300,000 was distributed amongst the winner, runner-up, and bronze with the break-up Rs.150,000, Rs.100,000, and Rs.50,000 respectively along with Medals and participation certificates.Results (Final Day):Pakistan Air Force (PAF) beat WAPDA (2-0):Singles-1: Yousaf Khalil (PAF) beat Mohammad Abid (WAPDA) 6-2, 6-4Singles-2: Mohammad Shoaib (PAF) beat Aqeel Khan (WAPDA) 7-5, 6-4SNGPL beat NAVY (2-0)Singles-1: Ahmed Babar (SNGPL) beat Faizan Fayyaz Khan (NAVY) 6-2, 6-3Singles-2: Saqib Hayat (SNGPL) beat Asad Zaman (NAVY) 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army, and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) won their respective matches of the 1st PTF Inter-Department Tennis Trophy 2024 here at PTF Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue on Sunday, as the tournament is being played under the banner of Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF).Yousaf Khalil (PAF) faced resistance from the upcoming youngster Ahtesham Humayun (SNGPL) in the first singles. In the first set, Yousaf Khalil comfortably took advantage of his playing experience, broke the 3rd and 7th game of Ahtesham, and wrapped up the first set at 6-2 in 25 minutes. In the second set, youngster Ahtesham, after losing the first game, changed his strategy, exhibited an excellent game, and got back in the game by breaking the 8th game of experienced Yousaf Khalil and leveled the score 4-4 all. In the 9th game both the players played superbly to take the lead and ultimately Ahtesham kept the game in his favour by hitting some excellent ground shorts down the line. In the next game Yousaf came back aggressively and broke the 11th game of Ahtesham to build up the winning lead 6-5 and by holding the 12th game finished the match at 7-5.In the Doubles match the duo of Shoaib & Yousaf (PAF) did not allow their counterpart Ahmed & Saqib (SNGPL) to stay on the court and eliminated them in 6-1 6-4 just in a 50-minute match.In the second singles, Mohammad Shoaib took a flying start beginning the match by breaking the 3rd, 5th, and 7th game of Saqib Hayat (SNGPL), finished the set at 6-1, and kept the same pressure in the second set and finished the match 6-1 6-1 just in 39 minutes.Pakistan Army quietly sidelines the Pakistan Navy. In the first singles Capt. Arham Attique (Army) outclassed Faizan Fayyaz (NAVY) 6-1 6-4 in 1 hrs 10 minutes battle, whereas in the second singles Muzammil Murtaza (Army) crumpled Asad Zaman (Navy) in a straight set match 6-2 6-2. In the Doubles Pakistan Army faced tough resistance from the Navy team. In the first set, Abdullah Adnan & Salar Khan (Army) struggled hard to save the set as Navy duo Asad Zaman & Faizan Fayyaz took the lead 4-1 by breaking the 4th game of Salar Khan(Army) but the duo of Army played well and broke back 7th and 9th game of Faizan and Asad respected in which Faizan hit 4 double faults in a game. In the second set both the teams again played in the same fashion and ultimately Army team took advantage of double faults hit by the Navy team and captured the second set and match 6-4 6-4. The match lasted 1 hr 10 minutes.Results (Day-3):Pakistan Air Force (PAF) beat SNGPL (3-0):Singles-1: Yousaf Khalil (PAF) beat Ahtesham Humayun (SNGPL) 6-2, 7-5Singles-2: Mohammad Shoaib (PAF) beat Saqib Hayat (SNGPL) 6-1, 6-1Doubles: Mohammad Shoaib / Hamza Roman (PAF) beat Saqib Hayat / Ahmed Babar (SNGPL) 6-1, 6-4Pakistan Army beat Pakistan Navy (3-0):Singles-1: Capt. Arham Attique (ARMY) beat Faizan Fayyaz Khan (Navy) 6-1, 6-4Singles-2: Muzammil Murtaza (ARMY) beat Asad Zaman (NAVY) 6-2, 6-2Doubles: Abdullah Adnan / Salar Khan (ARMY) beat Asad Zaman / Faizan Fayyaz Khan (Navy) 6-4 6-4Monday’s Fixtures:Pakistan Army Vs WAPDA at Aqeel Khan Center Court at 10:30 AMPakistan Air Force Vs Pakistan Navy at Zainab Ali Naqi Court # 1 at 10:30 AM.