Pakistan’s Under-14 tennis team created history by qualifying for the World Junior Tennis (WJT) Team Championship finals in Kuching, Malaysia. The team secured their place in the finals after an impressive performance in the Asia/Oceania Qualifying Tournament. This is the first time in 27 years that Pakistan has reached the World Group of the junior team event since 1996.
The team, comprising of Hamza Roman, Abubakar Talha, and Amir Mohammad Khan Mazari, along with captain, Davis Cupper, Heerqa Ashiq, had stellar wins against Hong Kong in the semi-finals and Australia in the quarter-finals, respectively. In the semi-final tie against Hong Kong, Talha won his singles match against Wong Selyn Tsz Yuen 6-3, 6-2 to take the lead. However, Roman lost his singles match to Tam Sin Hang 6-1, 6-1, resulting in a 1-1 score. Talha and Roman then played doubles and won 7-5 (5), 6-4 against Fu Wang Choi and Tam Sin Hang, sealing the victory for Pakistan.
In the qualifying round, Pakistan won matches against Iran and Indonesia and lost to Japan, finishing second in their group. They then went on to beat Australia in the quarter-final 2-1 to secure their place in the WJT finals.
The WJT finals are scheduled from August 7-12 in Prostejov, Czech Republic, and will comprise the world’s 16 best U-14 teams, providing an excellent opportunity for Pakistan’s players to play against the finest from all ITF global zones. Japan, Korea, Rep., and Hong Kong have also confirmed their places in the WJT finals from the Asia/Oceania qualifying round.
Pakistan Tennis Federation President, Salim Saifullah Khan, congratulated the team, their parents, coaches, and captain, and wished them success in the future. The federation described the achievement as a great milestone, and it is a significant feat for the players to have qualified for the World Group event.
National development director Asim Shafik praised the players’ performance and noted that they created history by reaching the semi-finals, which guarantees their participation in the World Group. He also mentioned that their morale was very high, and they would do their best in the final.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s U-14 tennis team has achieved a remarkable feat by qualifying for the World Junior Tennis Team Championship finals after an impressive run in Kuching, Malaysia. Their success is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they have made their country proud. The team’s participation in the World Group event provides a great opportunity for them to compete with the world’s best teams and gain invaluable experience for their future careers.
