Key points
- Pakistan eased past Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal in group stage
- Semi-final clash with India stood out as a key highlight
- We hope to lift the championship title against Sri Lanka tomorrow: Aisam
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan tennis team secured their place in the final of the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) 12 & Under Team Competition on Thursday with a 2-0 triumph over arch-rivals India in the semi-finals.
The young squad delivered a commanding performance throughout the tournament, including their impressive victory against India in the last four.
During the group stage, Pakistan eased past Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal—all with comprehensive 3-0 score lines.
The semi-final clash with India stood out as a key highlight. Rashid Ali claimed the opening win, defeating Thanush Shekar 6-2, 6-3, followed by Muhammad Shayan Afridi’s emphatic 6-0, 6-1 victory over Khatri Nayan, thereby, securing Pakistan’s spot in the final against tournament hosts Sri Lanka.
President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), Aisamul Haq Qureshi, congratulated the team on their outstanding achievement.
Moment of pride
“Beating our arch-rivals India in the semi-final is a moment of great pride for Pakistan. We hope to maintain this momentum and go on to lift the championship title against Sri Lanka tomorrow,” said Aisam.
Qureshi also reflected on Pakistan’s recent performances in junior tennis, referencing a hard-fought loss to India in the 16 & Under Davis Cup Juniors in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
Beating our arch-rivals India in the semi-final is a moment of great pride for Pakistan.” – Pakistan Tennis Federation President Aisamul Haq Qureshi
“Today, our Under-12 boys have shown real dominance and have made the nation proud by reaching the final,” he added.
The PTF Secretary General, Colonel Ziauddin Tufail, also commended the team’s collective efforts.
Today, our Under-12 boys have shown real dominance and have made the nation proud by reaching the final.” – Pakistan Tennis Federation President Qureshi
“The Pakistan team’s performance has been nothing short of remarkable. Congratulations to the players and the support staff. We wish the team the very best for the final,” he stated.
The Pakistan team’s performance has been nothing short of remarkable.” – PTF Secretary General, Colonel Ziauddin Tufail
Pakistan will now face Sri Lanka in the final, with the hosts determined to capture the championship on home soil.
