Aisam and Aqeel grab gold for Pakistan at ITF Masters World Championship

LAHORE  -  Pakistan’s legendary tennis duo, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan, have once again brought glory to the nation by winning gold in the men’s 45+ doubles category at the ITF Masters World Championship in Manavgat, Turkey.

According to information made available here on Friday, the veteran pair delivered a stellar performance in the final, overcoming Finland’s Lauri Kiiski and Sweden’s Andreas Lindgren with a 7-6 (13-11), 6-0 victory. After a fiercely contested first set, Aisam and Aqeel dominated the second set, showcasing their signature aggressive play, experience, and tactical brilliance to claim the title. Expressing his joy, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, who also serves as President of Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), dedicated this victory to the nation, calling it a special gift for Pakistan Day (March 23) and Eid-ul-Fitr. “We are grateful to Allah for making us No. 1 among 21 competing nations. This victory is a gift to Pakistan, and we hope to continue making the country proud on the international stage,” Aisam said.

Aqeel Khan also echoed similar sentiments, dedicating the gold medal to the nation as a special Eid gift. Apart from the doubles triumph, Aqeel also made his mark in the singles category, securing a bronze medal for Pakistan. He put up a strong fight in the semifinals but fell short against Finland’s Lauri Kiiski, losing 7-6 (5), 6-2.

This latest achievement further cements the legendary status of Aisam and Aqeel, who have been the backbone of Pakistan tennis for decades. Their victory is not just a personal milestone but also a significant moment for Pakistan sports, reinforcing the country’s presence on the global tennis stage.

ePaper - Nawaiwaqt