Aisam and Ushna shine in mixed doubles victory at Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial Tennis Championship
Stay tuned with 24 News HD Android App
Aisamul Haq Qureshi and Ushna Suhail grabbed the mixed doubles title, Muazammil Murtaza bagged men’s singles titles and Ushna claimed the ladies' singles title in the Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial National Ranking Tennis Championship 2024 at Sports Board Punjab Center Tennis Court, Nishtar Park Sports Complex on Saturday.
The highlight of the final day was the electrifying mixed doubles showdown between Aisam/Ushna and the spirited duo of Abdullah Adnan and Amna Ali Qayyum. With an enthusiastic crowd cheering every point, the match showcased thrilling rallies and sportsmanship. Aisam and Ushna emerged victorious with a commanding 6-2, 6-3 win.
In the men’s singles final, Muzammil Murtaza displayed exceptional skill and composure, edging out seasoned player Aqeel Khan 6-2, 7-6 (6-3) in a hard-fought battle. Meanwhile, Ushna Suhail, the granddaughter of the tournament's namesake, dominated the ladies’ singles final, defeating the young and talented Zunaisha Noor 6-2, 6-0 to secure her second title of the event.
The championship also highlighted emerging talent. Abubakar Talha of Wapda excelled in the boys’ U-18 singles, defeating Shehryar Anees 6-2, 6-2, and later teamed up with Hamza Roman to clinch the U-18 doubles title. Shayan Afridi triumphed in the boys’ U-14 singles, while Bismel Zia outplayed Hajra Sohail 6-3, 6-3 in the girls’ U-14 singles final.
Veterans also showcased their skills as ITF Seniors Champion Rashid Malik, alongside Arif Feroze, won the seniors 55+ doubles title, and the pair of Talha Waheed and Shehryar Salamat claimed the seniors 40+ doubles title.
The event concluded with Pakistan’s Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem gracing the ceremony as the chief guest, accompanied by his coach Salman Iqbal Butt. They distributed prizes to winners and runners-up, while lifetime achievement awards were presented to Nausheen Ehtesham and Rashid Malik for their invaluable contributions to tennis in Pakistan.
Aisamul Haq Qureshi expressed his gratitude to the tennis community, sponsors, and stakeholders for their support, emphasizing that the tournament was a tribute to his grandfather, Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad, a tennis legend of the subcontinent. He assured that the event would continue annually with even greater enthusiasm.
This memorable championship not only celebrated tennis excellence but also honored the legacy of a true pioneer of the sport in Pakistan.