Pakistan to host higher junior events: Aisam

ISLAMABAD: The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has approved the J-60 Junior International for Pakistan to be staged in October this year.

The decision was taken following a recent meeting between Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President Aisamul Haq and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in London.

Pakistan has been hosting J-30m events, but for the first time, they have been given the go-ahead to organize the J-60 event.

“It is a big success for the country and some leading juniors around the world will be seen in action in the J-60 event, resulting in improved standards and better exposure for Pakistan,” Aisamul Haq said while talking to The News.

The PTF President confirmed that the PTF will host two J-60 events from next year onward. “Hopefully, in a couple of years’ time we will go on to host J-100 events, giving even better chances to our youngsters to improve their international ranking and to start playing in major international junior events.”

“This will not only help our top players to improve their international ranking but will give a tremendous opportunity to our junior players who are unable to play abroad in such high-ranking tournaments to show their potential and prove themselves while playing with international players.”

“Now, starting from next year, Pakistan will be hosting 6 ITF tournaments, including 2 J 60. The decision marks a major breakthrough and opens new doors for our young tennis prospects to gain international exposure and experience.”

“A number of our junior boys and girls have participated in ITF junior championships this year, with all the possible support of PTF and getting wild cards for our players. Some of our Pakistani players have recently shown tremendous potential by securing international titles. These achievements reflect the growing strength of tennis in Pakistan.

The following players have demonstrated exceptional promise.”

Aism said Mikaeel Ali Baig, Soha Ali, Amna Ali Qayyum, Ahmed Nael Qureshi, Bilal Asim, Abubakar Talha, Nadir Ali, Hassan Usmani achieved unprecedented laurels for the country in the junior circuit.

“These achievements speak volumes of the efforts and focus of PTF in the development of our young players.”