The 1st DHA Multan Invitational Tennis Tournament 2025 wasn’t just a sports event - it was a statement. A statement that Multan, the city of saints and heritage, is ready to become a beacon for sports excellence in Pakistan. The tournament, conducted at the state-of-the-art DHA Sports Complex Tennis Courts, marked a historic return of professional-level tennis to Multan after a hiatus of over 30 years.

With competitive matches, inspired athletes, and an electrified audience, the event has set a new benchmark not only for tennis tournaments in Pakistan but also for community-driven sports development.

The event brought together the best of Pakistan’s tennis talent. Muhammad Shoaib claimed the men’s singles title after a powerful win over Muzammil Murtaza. In women’s singles, national champion Ushna Suhail proved her dominance with a decisive win against Amna Ali Qayum. The boys’ under-18 category saw Mikaeel Ali Baig deliver a masterclass, defeating Abdul Basit in straight sets. Every match was a testament to the raw potential of Pakistani tennis and the urgent need to cultivate it further.

Yet, beyond the scores and the trophies, the real victory was the cultural and developmental milestone that this tournament represented. The closing ceremony, attended by over 300 people, was graced by tennis royalty and national pride. Chief Guest Project Director DHA Multan and Guest of Honor Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), lent prestige and purpose to the occasion.

Also in attendance were key dignitaries including Col. Tahir Iqbal of Bodla Builders, Col. Zia-ud-din Tufail, Secretary General PTF, and Col. Gul Rehman, Director PTF. Their collective presence validated the tournament’s importance on the national tennis calendar.

Adding vibrance and inspiration to the evening was the host and Tournament Director, Mrs. Ayesha Ali Baig. Her passion lit up the arena just as brightly as the floodlights did. With her opening remarks, she not only welcomed the crowd but grounded the tournament in values of service and unity. “The work ethic and resilience of the Army run in my blood,” she declared with pride. “To DHA Multan and the Pakistan Tennis Federation, whenever my services are needed, this daughter of Multan will be here to serve the city and the sport I love.”

Mrs. Baig’s role was far more than ceremonial. It was foundational. Her credentials as a tournament director in the USA came alive on the courts of Multan. “Vision without execution is just hallucination,” she said in a post-event interview-words that perfectly summarized her journey. From ensuring player hospitality and managing fair draws to selecting neutral referees and orchestrating entertainment, she left no detail unattended. Her leadership and personal sacrifices-including sleepless nights-reflected in the flawless execution of the tournament.

“This isn’t just about sports. It’s about uplifting Multan’s image, contributing to its economy, and proving that with the right intent, world-class events can be held anywhere in Pakistan,” she emphasized. Her vision is not only to institutionalize the tournament as an annual affair but to elevate it to national ranking status-a move that could truly transform the landscape of tennis in South Punjab.

President PTF Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi praised the initiative, calling it a “game-changer” for grassroots tennis in Pakistan. “We need more events like this to discover and integrate regional talent into the national mainstream,” he said.

He extended heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Baig, the DHA Multan leadership, and Bodla Group for their unmatched commitment and execution.

Indeed, the contributions of Bodla Group and DHA Multan cannot be overstated. Their support went beyond sponsorship-it was strategic and soulful. Every logistical element, every design detail, every welcoming gesture bore the mark of their hands-on involvement. Col. Tahir Bodla shared his aspirations for the future: “This tournament raises the bar. It’s just the first step. We aim to do more for tennis and other racquet sports, not just in Multan but across South Punjab. Inshallah, our broader vision will soon be revealed.”

This collaboration between visionary individuals and committed institutions made the 1st DHA Multan Invitational not just a local tournament but a national landmark. It was proof that when public and private sectors align around shared values, magic happens. The tournament also delivered on inclusivity with competitions for men, women, and juniors-a rare but necessary feature in Pakistani tennis.

The crowd was treated to a delightful mixed doubles match, where tennis legend Aisam-ul-Haq showcased his finesse.

For many young attendees, it was their first time seeing a tennis star perform live, and it sparked a new wave of enthusiasm for the sport. The applause wasn’t just for the spectacle but for the belief that tennis in Multan-and indeed Pakistan-has a future.

Final results of the tournament confirmed the dominance of familiar names and emergence of new ones. Muhammad Shoaib outclassed Muzammil Murtaza 6-4, 6-2 in the men’s final, while Hamza Roman secured third place in a gripping match against Nael Qureshi. In women’s singles, Ushna Suhail defeated Amna Qayum 6-0, 6-2, and Noor Malik clinched the third position with a comprehensive win. The under-18 boys’ matches were equally thrilling, with Mikaeel Ali Baig dismantling Abdul Basit 6-0, 6-1. The next generation of Pakistani tennis is not only promising-it’s ready.

Sponsors played a key role in making this tournament a reality. These included DHA Multan, Bodla Group, Pakistan Tennis Federation, ACE Tennis Academy, and PLAYE Corp USA. Their contribution proved that with aligned vision and resources, the impossible becomes not only possible-but exceptional.

As the sun sets on the courts of DHA Multan, what remains is not just the echo of bouncing balls and applause but a legacy. A foundation for what could become the cradle of tennis excellence in Pakistan. The success of this tournament should serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives in other underserved regions.

To all the skeptics who believed quality tennis couldn’t thrive outside major urban centers, the 1st DHA Multan Invitational has served a definitive rebuttal. Multan is not just back on the tennis map-it’s leading the way.