PTF honoured as fastest-progressing federation in Asia

ISLAMABAD: The Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) has recognised Pakistan as one of the most rapidly developing tennis nations in the continent, awarding the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) a special shield of excellence and commending its president, Aisamul Haq Qureshi, for his “immense services and visionary leadership.”

The honour was conferred by ATF President Yuriy Polskiy, who presented the shield to Aisam during the ATF Annual General Meeting held in Kazakhstan last week. The ATF rated the PTF among the best and fastest-improving federations in Asia, a milestone that marks a new chapter in Pakistan’s tennis resurgence.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside former PTF President Senator Salim Saifullah Khan and Secretary Col (R) Muhammad Zia, Aisam expressed pride over the recognition, attributing it to the collective efforts of the federation’s team and the progress at grassroots and junior levels.

“It’s an honour for Pakistan to be recognised out of 40 member countries,” Aisam said. “As someone who has represented Pakistan in every Grand Slam event and reached the top of Asian tennis as a junior, I know how vital it is to invest in our future players. My goal remains to uplift tennis in the country and create a pathway for the next generation.”

Aisam announced that the first-ever ATP Challenger Tournament in Pakistan’s history, featuring $50,000 in prize money, will be hosted at the PTF Complex, Islamabad, starting November 24.

“This is a historic breakthrough for Pakistan tennis,” Aisam said. “The tournament, taking place just before the Australian Open, will attract some of the world’s top players. It’s a golden opportunity for our local talent to test their skills against international competitors and gain invaluable experience.”

Aisam also revealed that juniors from across the globe have begun arriving in Islamabad for the ITF J-30 and J-60 tournaments, scheduled over the next three weeks.

“For the first time, we’ve been entrusted with hosting a J-60 event, a reflection of our success at the junior level,” he said. “Starting next year, Pakistan will host seven ITF Junior tournaments, including two J-30s, giving our young players the chance to earn ranking points and compete with the world’s elite juniors.”

He further disclosed that the PTF has applied for wildcards at the Orange Bowl tournament for Pakistani juniors. “I started my journey from the junior circuit,” Aisam added. “I want our youngsters to have the same opportunities that shaped my career.”

Former PTF chief and current ATF Vice President Senator Salim Saifullah Khan lauded Aisam’s leadership and commitment to taking Pakistan tennis to new heights.

“I could have stayed on for a third term,” he said, “but I knew Aisam was the ideal person to lead the next phase. His international exposure, connections, and passion make him the right man for the job.”

Salim also spoke about his tenure’s biggest achievement, bringing Davis Cup tennis back to Pakistan and securing Pakistan’s seat in the ATF South Asia Zone, defeating an Indian candidate in the process.

Addressing the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) audit report, both Aisam and Salim termed it “premature and incomplete.”

“We’ve always been transparent and have already offered a full PTF audit,” said Salim. “Most federations reject PSB’s jurisdiction in such matters, but we are cooperating. All audit queries half cooked.”

Aisam noted that PSB’s financial contribution amounts to only 18 percent of the PTF’s annual expenditures, and that the Islamabad High Court had dismissed the petition challenging PTF’s elections. “The matter now rests with PSB’s adjudicators,” he added, confirming he had appeared before Senator Pervez Rashid earlier in the day.

Declaring himself and Aqeel Khan as the country’s top doubles pair, Aisam emphasised their right to represent Pakistan in the Davis Cup. “We are the best doubles team Pakistan has,” he stated firmly. “There’s no point fielding a second-best combination.” He also announced that Pakistan will next host Senegal in a Davis Cup tie in February, expressing confidence in a strong comeback.