The hard courts of Lahore’s historic Aitchison College once again came alive as the 8th Aitchison College National Junior Tennis Championship concluded recently, reaffirming the institution’s enduring commitment to nurturing young sports talent. In collaboration with the Punjab Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA), the event brought together the country’s most promising junior players for a week of competitive and inspiring tennis.
This wasn’t just another tournament; it was a reflection of how Aitchison College, an institution synonymous with Pakistan’s sporting excellence, continues to blend tradition, discipline, and opportunity. From cricket legends like Majid Khan, Imran Khan, and Ramiz Raja to hockey stalwarts Hassan Sardar, Qasim Zia, Akhtar Rasool, tennis icon Rashid Malik, squash’s Sakhi Ullah Tareen, one of the top national sports nutritionists Rd. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed, and now a new breed of tennis hopefuls, Aitchison’s contribution to Pakistan’s sporting landscape remains unparalleled.
Under the guidance of Dr SM Turab Hussain, Principal of Aitchison College, and Sajjad Rasul, the Tournament Director and Head of Sports and Tennis at Aitchison, the championship was executed with remarkable professionalism. Sajjad Rasul, himself a driving force behind the college’s sports infrastructure, has long been instrumental in organising tennis and other sports events. His meticulous organization ensured that young players not only competed at a high level but also experienced the ethos of sportsmanship and integrity that defines Aitchison’s legacy.
The five-day event, held under the umbrella of the Punjab Lawn Tennis Association, showcased Pakistan’s brightest young tennis prospects. It provided a vital platform for the next generation to gain experience and exposure under the watchful eyes of veterans such as Rashid Malik and Haseeb Aslam, who have tirelessly supported grassroots tennis through the PLTA’s vision.
The championship’s star performer was Abubakar Talha, who completed a sensational double crown by winning both the Boys’ U-18 singles and doubles titles. His dominant 6-2, 6-0 win over Ahtesham Humayun in the singles final and a thrilling doubles victory alongside Aitchison College’s young star Amir Mazari (6-3, 7-5) showcased his maturity, consistency, and promise. In the Girls’ U-18 final, Bismal Zia impressed with her composed yet commanding 6-1, 6-0 triumph over Fajar Fayyaz, a performance that underlined the growing strength of Pakistan’s young female tennis contingent.
The closing ceremony, graced by Principal Dr SM Turab Hussain, was a celebration of youth, discipline, and opportunity. Dr Turab lauded the PLTA for its unrelenting work in grassroots promotion and commended the young athletes for their dedication. “Sports shape character, resilience, and leadership, all core values we stand for at Aitchison,” he remarked, emphasizing that the college’s role extends beyond education to nation-building through sport.
The Punjab Lawn Tennis Association, in collaboration with leading educational institutions, continues to play a vital role in tennis development. Having recently organised the SICAS Punjab Junior Tennis Championship, the PLTA’s ongoing partnership with Aitchison reflects a sustained effort to build a competitive tennis culture across Punjab.
Aitchison’s contribution to Pakistan’s sporting identity is both historic and inspirational. From producing Olympians and Test captains to grooming athletes in emerging sports like tennis, Aitchison’s legacy is built on a simple philosophy, nurture talent, build discipline, and serve the nation. The 8th Aitchison College National Junior Tennis Championship was yet another example of that enduring vision.
– By Sarfraz Ahmad