Aisam becomes Pakistan Tennis Federation President

Staff Report

LAHORE: Tennis ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi became the first active player to hold the President’s office as he sets eyes on reviving the sport in Pakistan. He is now the elected chief of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), replacing outgoing-president politician Salim Saifullah. Aisam’s tenure will be for four years till 2028. The election of the federation took place on February 10 (Saturday), eight out of 15 units voted for Aisam making him the winner of the poll while Major General (r) Asghar Nawaz received seven votes at the PTF SDA Tennis Complex in Islamabad. On his victory he expressed a gamut of emotions. “I’m happy, excited, humbled,” Aisam said after he won the election. “And more importantly I am fired up to serve Pakistan tennis and revive it.” He has put Pakistan tennis on the map, he has been the only Pakistan player to represent the country at all four grand slams regularly. His name is synonymous with Pakistan when it comes to tennis in the international community, sports and otherwise. “I have always put Pakistan first, and this is just going to be on a grander note, if given a chance,” Aisam had said earlier this week. “Allah has given me respect and my name is recognised so I will be using my platform to boost Pakistan tennis. I am here to help the players, I am here for others.” Retired Lt. Col Zia Uddin Tufail got eight votes compared to Major Suleman Junaid’s seven as he will take on the duties of the PTF General Secretary. Arif Qureshi received nine votes to Umar Farooq’s six for the post of treasurer. It was just last week that Aisam played Davis Cup World Group-I play-off against India along with Aqeel Khan, M Shoaib and Muzammil Murtaza, Barkatullah and Captian Muhammad Abid. He had a flying start at the first singles rubber however, he picked up an injury that also caused him to not only lose the match but also miss the doubles rubber. Pakistan lost 4-0 but after a close competition in each rubber. Aisam had said earlier that he would make sure that everyone moved together should he become the president. “I would want to take everyone on board and it all goes hand in hand, I want to bring professionalism to the PTF that we lack,” he had said revealing that he had a vision and a plan for the development of Pakistan tennis. Aisam is running his Ace Academy which has already sent U18 & U14 players abroad.