Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Rising tennis star, Mikaeel Ali Baig has won the title of the prestigious US Tennis Association Junior Tennis titles, as he became the 2024 USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Boys U14 Champion. The tournament took place from June 15-18 at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida. Bobby Curtis is an elite tournament, which was won previously by several professionals when they were juniors. Former “Bobby Curtis” champs, who have gone on to rank World No. 1 in on the ATP, and WTA rankings are Chris Evert, Jennifer Capriati, Jim Courier, Andy Roddick, and many more.  

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has announced to stage a Summer Camp for kids, which will run from June 24 to August 1, 2024, at PTF Tennis Complex Islamabad.According to an official of PTF, summer camp aims for a healthy and engaging activity for children during their summer vacations, and provide an excellent opportunity to learn and enjoy tennis, make new friends, and enhance their physical fitness.President-PTF Aisam ul Haq Qureshi said: "The summer camp is a nice initiative of PTF for kids. It's a wonderful chance for them to enjoy tennis in the beautiful environment of PTF, and to learn the sport with our certified coaches."

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): The exciting ATF U12 Team Competition South Asian Qualifying Event, held at Kathmandu, Nepal, concluded with India emerging victorious in both the Boys' and Girls' categories competitions. The tournament, hosted by the Nepal Tennis Association and supported by the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, saw seven nations from the South Asian region battle it out for a coveted spot at the U12 Finals later this year.In a thrilling boys' final, top-seeded India defeated Pakistan with a 2-0 score to claim the championship title. Sri Lanka secured a hard-fought 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in the 3rd-4th place playoff to clinch the bronze medal. Nepal outplayed Maldives in a close 2-1 contest to finish fifth, while Maldives and Bhutan rounded out the standings in sixth and seventh place respectively.The girls' category witnessed India maintaining their dominance, securing their fourth consecutive win with a 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka finished a close second with three wins, while Bangladesh managed a commendable third place with two wins. The host nation, Nepal, finally found their winning touch, defeating Maldives in a tight 2-1 encounter to finish fourth. Maldives, unfortunately, couldn't register a win throughout the tournament.

Pakistani teenagers confirm their berth in ITF Asia Under-12 finalsAbdul Jabbar FaisalKathmandu (Nepal): India overcame Pakistan 2-0 in the final of the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) Under-12 Team Competition Qualifying Event that concluded in Kathmandu, Nepal on Friday.According to available information from abroad, despite the loss against India, Pakistani teenagers have secured a spot in the ITF Asia U12 Finals set to take place in Kazakhstan later this year.Non-playing team Captain Abid said: "The team's overall performance was remarkable, as the boys played exceptionally well throughout the tournament, making it to the final and qualifying for the World Championships. Unfortunately, we couldn't tide-over India in the final. We need to work harder, and Insha’Allah, we will perform very well in Kazakhstan."Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) said: "The team's performance in the competition was great and acceptable, as our guys defeated Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh to reach the final. We are focusing on junior development in Pakistan. Our team's participation in the competition after two years and reaching the final is a substantial achievement. Qualifying for the ITF Asia U12 finals is a significant milestone."Former Davis Cupper and Pride of performance Hameed Ul Haq said in his statement: “Although, we lost the final against India, however, Pakistani talented players produced notable performances in the tournament and confirmed their berth in the Kazakhstan fixture. I congratulate the junior boys and captain for advancing to the U-12 qualifying event.Results (Final):In the first Singles: Puneeth Manohar beat Rashid Ali Bachani 6-0, 6-0In the 2nd Singles: Aana Akshaykumar Chhallan beat Mohammad Shayan Afridi 6-4, 6-3Semifinal (Pakistan beat Bangladesh 3-0):1st Singles: Rashid Ali Bachani beat Mohammad Haider 6-1, 6-12nd Singles: Mohammad Shayan Afridi beat Jobair Islam 6-1, 6-0Doubles: Rashid Ali Bachani / Mohammad Junaid Khan beat Faheem Sourov Hossian / Jobair Islam 6-1, 6-1.

Sports Bulletin ReportKathmandu (Nepal): Pakistan overcame Sri Lanka 2-1 in the ongoing Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) Under-12 Team Competition Regional Qualifying Event on Wednesday here. Pakistan will face Bangladesh in the semifinal on Thursday at the same venue.On the third day, Pakistan defeated the strong Sri Lankan team 2-1. This victory showcases Pakistan's competitive edge and strong performance against a formidable opponent.Pakistan won the first match easily, showcasing their strong performance. However, in the second match, Sri Lanka made a strong comeback and secured a victory, demonstrating their resilience and competitive spirit.In the third match, the Pakistani team bounced back from a defeat in the second match to win the third and decisive match. This performance highlights the team's resilience and ability to recover under pressure, showcasing their determination and skill in critical moments.Pakistan have topped Group B and is set to play a semifinal against Bangladesh from Group -A on Thursday (May 23, 2024). Results:In the first Singles: Rashid Ali Bachani beat Thalamimeharage 6-0, 6-0In the 2nd Singles: Jayawardhana M Buvindu Rashmitha Bandara j beat Mohammad Shayan Afridi 6-2, 2-6, 6-2In the doubles: Mohammad Shayan Afridi & Rashid Ali Bachani beat Jayawardhana Buvindu & Thalamimeharage 6-3, 6-1. 

Sports Bulletin ReportKathmandu (Nepal): Pakistan outclassed hosts Nepal 3-0 in their second match of the ongoing Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) Under-12 Team Competition Regional Qualifying Event of South Asia here on Tuesday. Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in their next match on Wednesday at the same venue.Results:In the first Singles: Rashid Ali Bachani beat Dallakoti Bishwo Bishesh 6-3, 6-0In the 2nd Singles: Mohammad Shayan Afridi beat Gnawali Nischal 6-1, 6-1In the doubles: Mohammad Shayan Afridi & Mohammad Junaid Khan beat Dallakoti Bishwo Bishesh & Aalam Shahnawaz 6-1, 6-0

Sports Bulletin ReportKathmandu (Nepal): Pakistani teenagers outclassed Bhutan 3-0 in their opening fixture of the ATF (Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) Under-12 Team Competition Regional Qualifying Event of South Asia at Kathmandu Nepal on Monday.The Pakistani team started their campaign with a resounding victory against Bhutan without wasting a single match 3-0. Results (Pakistan beat Bhutan 3-0):In the first singles: Rashid Ali Bacahni beat Dudu Tenzin 6-0, 6-0In the second singles: Mohammad Shayan beat Tshering Pelthop 6-0, 6-0In the Doubles: Mohammad Shayan Afridi & Mohammad Junaid Khan beat Dudu Tenzin & Tshering Mipham 6-1, 6-0GROUP –A: India, Bangladesh, MaldivesGROUP-B: Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Under-12 tennis team comprising Mohammad Shayan Afridi, Mohammad Junaid Khan, Rashid Ali Bachani along with non-playing captain Mohammad Abid-Captain left Islamabad for Nepal to participate in the  ATF U12 Team Competition Regional Qualifying fixture of South Asia, which is scheduled to be played from May 20 to 24, 2024 at Kathmandu Nepal.According to an official of Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), besides Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka will fight for top honour.Captain Mohammad Abid said: "We are fully prepared for the competition. Our team is strong, and we will try to come back as victorious. InshaAllah"

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Duo of national tennis lads, Mohammad Shoaib, and Yousaf Khalil have confirmed their berth in the Pakistan Davis Cup team after showing acceptable performances in the trials, which were held at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex Garden Avenue from May 9 to 13, 2024.According to an official of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), trials were held to select a couple of players for the national team, as the veterans Aisam Ul Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan were exempted form the trials proceeding. Also, Ahmad Nael Qureshi has been selected for the team directly, based on his recent exceptional performances in the national and international junior tournaments.As many as 10 players including 6 men, 2 juniors, and 2 wildcards were invited for the trials after analyzing their performances in the current PTF ranking. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi President-PTF and Col. Zia-ud-din Tufail Secretary-General-PTF congratulated the selected players, wished them good luck, and advised them to display their best tennis. In the next Davis Cup Tie Pakistan will meet Barbados in September 2024.

Yousaf Khalil, and Mohammad Shoaib overcome Mohammad Abid, and Aqeel Khan in finalAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) outclassed WAPDA 2-0 to clinch the title of the 1st PTF Inter-Department Tennis Trophy 2024, which was played at PTF Tennis Complex Garden Avenue Islamabad on Tuesday. SNGPL defeated Pakistan Navy 2-0.In the first singles of the final, Pakistan Air Force once again took off his flight in a victories style and Yousaf Khalil (PAF) eliminated Mohammad Abid (WAPDA) in a well contested two set match 6-2, 6-4. In the first set Yousaf Khalil played an excellent game from the beginning and did not allow his opponent to settle down by breaking 5th and 7th games of Abid and finished the set at 6-2. In the second set both the players exhibited an excellent game of tennis with the combination of long rallies, and cross-court down the lines, and the score went up to 5-4 in favour of Yousaf with the break of 3rd game of Mohammad Abid. In the 10th game, Yousaf played an attacking game and won the set and match 6-2, 6-4, the match lasted 1 hour and 29 minutes, officiated by ITF White Badge Umpire Husnain Mehmood.In the second singles, 23 years old Mohammad Shoaib (PAF) upset Pakistan No.1 Aqeel Khan (WAPDA) in an exciting thrilling, see-saw match which lasted over 1 hour 36 minutes 7-5, 6-4 to win the 1st Inter-Department 2024 team competition. Both the players exhibited excellent game of tennis and proved their strength, the score went up to 5-5 games all by holding their own serve, in the crucial 11th game Shoaib returned some marvellous shots and with the combination of cross-court and down-the-line and at the 15-40 grab the game by hitting powerfully down the line return. In the second set, Aqeel Khan tried his best to compete with the pace and speed of Shoaib but was unable to catch him. After breaking the first game of Aqeel Khan, Shoaib continued to accelerate his pace and put pressure on Aqeel Khan till the 9th game of Aqeel in which Aqeel hardly to save the game in which he hit one double fault and 7 duce. In the 10th game, Shoaib hit 2 aces and doubled the pace to run for the victory at 6-4. The match lasted 2 hrs 20 minutes officiated by ITF White Badge Umpire Shahzad Akhtar Alvi.In the last round of matches, SNGPL comfortably overcame Pakistan Navy. In the first singles Ahmed Babar (SNGPL) proved too good against Faizan Fayyazn Khan (NAVY) and won his match in a straight set 6-2 6-3. In the second match, Saqib Hayat (SNGPL) struggled hard to win his encounter against Asad Zaman (NAVY). Saqib Hayat comfortably pocketed the first set at 6-3 by breaking the 4th game of Asad. In the second sent Asad Zaman changed his strategy and played an excellent game from the baseline, and the score went up to 5-5 games all, in the 12th game Asad got a chance and played superbly and broke the game of Saqib Hyat to level the score 1-1 set all. In the final set, Saqib Hayat came back aggressively the score went up to 4-4 games. Saqib Hayat broke the 9th game of Asad and built up the winning lead 5-4 and then by holding the 10th game finished the set and match 6-3 5-7 6-4. The match lasted 2 hours 10 minutes and was officiated by Asif Ali. A total of Rs.300,000 was distributed amongst the winner, runner-up, and bronze with the break-up Rs.150,000, Rs.100,000, and Rs.50,000 respectively along with Medals and participation certificates.Results (Final Day):Pakistan Air Force (PAF) beat WAPDA (2-0):Singles-1: Yousaf Khalil (PAF) beat Mohammad Abid (WAPDA) 6-2, 6-4Singles-2: Mohammad Shoaib (PAF) beat Aqeel Khan (WAPDA) 7-5, 6-4SNGPL beat NAVY (2-0)Singles-1: Ahmed Babar (SNGPL) beat Faizan Fayyaz Khan (NAVY) 6-2, 6-3Singles-2: Saqib Hayat (SNGPL) beat Asad Zaman (NAVY) 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.