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ISLAMABAD, Jun 04 (APP):Aqeel Khan bagged the men’s singles title of the 1st Emerging Pakistan National Ranking Tennis Championships 2025 here at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex on Wednesday.
Organized by the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), this inaugural edition saw more than 200 players compete across six categories: Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Ladies’ Singles, Boys’ Under-18 Singles, Boys’ Under-14 Singles, and Boys’ Under-12 Singles. A total prize pool of PKR 1.5 million was awarded to winners and runners-up, including travel allowances.
In Men’s Singles Final, seasoned tennis veteran Aqeel Khan triumphed over the formidable Muzammil Murtaza in a thrilling three-set contest: 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3.
Aqeel started strong, quickly securing a 3-0 lead and capturing the first set 6-2 through consistent pressure and precise shot-making. Muzammil responded admirably in the second set, adjusting his game and forcing a tiebreaker, which he clinched with grit and composure. In the decisive third set, Aqeel’s experience proved vital; he tactically outmaneuvered Muzammil to claim a hard-fought 6-3 victory and the championship title.
Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce, graced the ceremony as Chief Guest and distributed trophies among the winners and runners-up. Also in attendance were Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Secretary IPC and Guest of Honor; Muhammad Atif Fayyaz, Chief Coordinator; Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF); and Col. (R) Zia-ud-Din Tufail, Secretary PTF.
During his address, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi extended heartfelt thanks to the honorable Minister for sponsoring this landmark event. He expressed his optimism that the championship would serve as a foundation for future tournaments, including a forthcoming edition planned in Quetta, Balochistan. He also acknowledged the invaluable support of Secretary IPC, appreciating his deep passion for sports and his continued interest in the activities and progress of the Pakistan Tennis Federation.
In his remarks, Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan commended the efforts of the PTF President for revitalizing the sport of tennis in Pakistan. He noted that, as a celebrated sportsman himself, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi possesses a unique understanding of the game’s intricacies and is deeply familiar with the challenges faced by the tennis community.
The Minister emphasized his satisfaction in seeing an athlete of Aisam’s stature take a leadership role in shaping the future of tennis and sports more broadly in Pakistan. He assured full support from his ministry to help the PTF President realize his vision and goals for the development of the sport nationwide.
Men’s Singles (Final): Aqeel Khan beat Muzammil Murtaza 6-2 6-7(5), 6-3.
Ladies Singles (Final): Ushna Suhail beat Zunaisha Noor 6-2 6-1.
Men’s Doubles (Final): Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi & Aqeel Khan beat Abdullah Adnan & Muzammil Murtaza 6-2 4-6 10-7.
Junior 18 & Under Singles (Final): AbuBakar Talha beat Muhammad Salar 6-1 6-3.
Boys 14 & Under Singles Final: Muhammad Junaid beat Muhammad Muaz 6-7(3) 6-1 6-1.
Boys 12 & Under Singles Final: Muhammad Aayan beat Muhammad Muaz 4-2 4-2.