Pakistan to host women’s team event this year

Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi said Monday that tennis is helping build Pakistan’s soft image globally, adding that the country will host a women’s team event for the first time

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th May, 2026) Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi said Monday that tennis is helping build Pakistan’s soft image globally, adding that the country will host a women’s team event for the first time.

“Pakistan is a country that promotes peace and friendship,” Qureshi told a press conference here at PTF Tennis Complex on Monday.

“Our players made history by winning both the singles and doubles titles at the ITF Futures.”

Qureshi was joined by PTF Secretary Col (R) Zia Tufail, national players Muhammad Shoaib, Muzammil Murtaza and Abid Ali, and Movenpick Hotel General Manager Nicholas Vardon.

He said Pakistan's tennis is progressing rapidly, with national players making their mark internationally. He singled out Muhammad Shoaib’s performance at the ITF Futures as a major achievement for Pakistan tennis and thanked all sponsors for their role in the event’s successful organization.

“Tennis is projecting a positive and soft image of Pakistan worldwide, and foreign players are returning home with pleasant memories,” Qureshi said. “We are playing our role as peace ambassadors.”

To improve player performance, he said, Muhammad Shoaib will travel to the United States for training while Muzammil Murtaza will head to South Africa.

He added that, for the first time in the country’s history, nine Pakistani players have earned ATP rankings.

Qureshi expressed regret over the postponement of former world champion Bjorn Borg’s visit but said the tennis legend will visit Pakistan soon.

He also announced that the International Tennis Federation has awarded Pakistan the hosting rights for a major women’s event in October, with players from 10 countries set to participate.

PTF Secretary termed the hosting of the event a major milestone in Pakistan tennis history, saying it will further boost the sport’s development in the country.