The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has garnered substantial support from international tennis organizations to enhance and promote the sport within the country, with a series of events scheduled in the upcoming months.
During a recent visit to London, PTF President Aisam Ul Haq met with top officials from the International Tennis Federation (ITF), Asian Tennis Federation (ATF), and Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) to discuss various projects and seek their support and approval, according to a PTF official.
As a result, the ITF has agreed to provide a 50% grant for four ITF Futures events in Pakistan, marking a significant investment in the country’s tennis development. Additionally, the ITF has granted Pakistan the opportunity to host ITF Seniors’ Events after a six-year hiatus.
Moreover, the ATF has awarded Pakistan the hosting rights for the Asian U/16 Championship’s qualifying event, a first for the country. This will offer Pakistani players the chance to compete against top Asian countries on home soil. The ATF will also provide a grant for Pakistan to send a coach to an international coaches conference, while the ITF has offered to provide coaches and staff to develop wheelchair tennis initiatives in Pakistan.
PTF President Aisam Ul Haq briefed the ITF about the development activities of wheelchair tennis in Pakistan, particularly the initiatives led by the Karachi unit under Khalid Rehmani’s guidance. The ITF expressed appreciation for this program and offered further support in developing these activities. The PTF encourages all affiliated units in the country to initiate and develop wheelchair tennis in their respective zones.
Additionally, the ATF has agreed to provide training opportunities in Kazakhstan for two young Pakistani players for one month.
During his meeting with ATP officials, PTF President Aisam Ul Haq received congratulations on his new role and secured their full support for developmental plans for tennis in Pakistan. In a major achievement, the ATP has granted Pakistan the hosting rights for an ATP Challenger event, along with a substantial financial subsidy. An ATP security assessment team is scheduled to visit Pakistan next month to evaluate security for the event.
The PTF aims to obtain security clearance for both Islamabad and Lahore, providing flexibility in planning and scheduling this milestone event. The PTF urges its affiliated units to continue supporting its initiatives and activities for the development of tennis in Pakistan.
