ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) is gearing up to make history with the launch of the first-ever Balochistan Open Tennis Tournament, set to commence on May 28 at the prestigious PTF Complex courts in Islamabad.
Touted as one of the richest domestic tennis events ever held on Pakistani soil, the Balochistan Open marks a groundbreaking addition to the national tennis calendar. In an exclusive conversation with The News, Aisamul Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation, confirmed that final preparations have been completed for what is expected to be a landmark tournament.
“We are about to start one of the most significant and financially rewarding domestic events in Pakistan’s tennis history,” Aisam stated. “The Balochistan Open is not just a tournament—it’s a movement to elevate tennis in Pakistan, and we hope to set a new precedent with this initiative.”
With prize money totaling Rs 1.5 million, and an estimated overall budget of Rs 3 million, the Balochistan Open promises both prestige and opportunity. “This event holds great significance for the future of tennis in Pakistan,” Aisam said.
“It is designed to instill confidence among domestic players and to offer them a platform where they can compete at a higher level. Young players will benefit immensely by challenging seasoned professionals.”
Since assuming leadership of the PTF, Aisam—an internationally acclaimed tennis star—has been on a mission to expand the sport’s reach and increase its accessibility across Pakistan. His vision focuses on nurturing young talent and providing them with consistent exposure to top-level competition, both nationally and internationally.
“Tennis is a game of perseverance and discipline,” he explained. “Our youth need regular opportunities to test their skills and grow. Events like the Balochistan Open are stepping stones for future champions.”
Aisam’s long-term goal is ambitious yet clear: to make tennis the second most popular sport in Pakistan. Under his leadership, the PTF has launched a series of successful initiatives aimed at expanding the game’s footprint beyond major cities.
“We’ve taken the PTF Masters Series to cities like Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Peshawar, where hundreds of youngsters have had a chance to learn the fundamentals of the game. These efforts are about more than just events—they are about building a tennis culture and giving the youth a positive and healthy direction.”
The Balochistan Open stands not only as a celebration of athletic excellence but also as a powerful symbol of unity and growth. By naming the tournament after Balochistan, one of the country’s most underserved regions in sports, the PTF is signaling its commitment to inclusivity and national outreach. “This is a beginning,” Aisam concluded. “We are planting the seeds of a tennis revolution in Pakistan.”