Pakistan has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in tennis by securing a bronze medal at the ITF Masters 45+ World Championship in Manavgat, Turkiye. This marks the nation’s first-ever podium finish in this prestigious international event.
Impressive Performance in Group Stages
The Pakistani team, led by veteran Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, alongside Aqeel Khan and Shehryar Salamat, dominated the early rounds. They swept past Romania and Turkiye with convincing 3-0 victories, proving their strength on the court.
Battling Through Tough Knockouts
Pakistan continued its strong run by defeating Czech Republic 2-1 in the quarterfinals. However, a closely contested semifinal against France ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat, despite Aqeel Khan’s stellar singles win.
Clinching the Bronze Against Germany
The team bounced back in the bronze medal match against Germany. After an early setback when Aisam was forced to retire, Aqeel Khan leveled the tie with a dominant singles victory. The decisive doubles match saw Pakistan triumph, securing a historic medal.
Eyes on Individual Championships
With this remarkable team effort, the players now shift their focus to the upcoming individual events in the second week of the championship. Their recent performances on the international stage reflect the growing strength of Pakistan’s senior tennis squad and highlight the potential for future success.
