A hat-trick for Pakistan sports
What could possibly make a Pakistani fan turn away from a clinical performance by their cricket team, while it’s in progress? The score line of a James Cerritani and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi vs. Marco Chiudinelli and Roger Federer doubles game!
For a moment it almost seemed surreal: Federer in his ‘formal attire,’ a brown Nike jersey with white trim on the collar, wiping the hair off his forehead, with his left hand before bouncing the ball in his trademark style and then serving with body in perfect unison. And the receiver of the serve? For a minute it seemed as if the satellite signal had scrambled and the cable operators had changed the order of the sports channels. But no, it was true. Federer was in fact serving to Pakistan’s Qureshi in the ATP Swiss Indoors tournament in Basel, Switzerland.
That Pakistan were routing New Zealand in the first face-off since the infamous semi-final loss in the Champions Trophy seemed like an afterthought. The fact that Shahid Afridi, having scored 70 off 50 balls, was on a hat-trick after castling Danniel Vettori and trapping Nathan McCullum LBW, didn’t really matter. Because at the same time, Pakistan’s lone hope on the international tennis circuit, Qureshi, along with his American partner Cerretani were leading the Swiss pairing of Federer and Chiudinelli five games to four in the first set. Qureshi had aced into Federer’s body, and to hear the commentator say ‘that’s tremendous serving by the Pakistani,’ was unreal for many reasons.
It’s rare to hear or read the word Pakistan during an ATP tour. That the Pakistani was part of the event in Basel was an achievement itself, keeping in mind that Qureshi funds all his international tours personally. But playing Federer, albeit in a doubles match, was as much a dream come true for the fans as it was perhaps for Qureshi himself. And everyone knows when Federer is playing, the whole world is watching.
The biggest moment, however, came at the end of the match, amidst the joy of a Qureshi/Cerretani 6-4, 6-3 victory. It was surprising. It manifest in the form of a sentiment previously felt, but never at the same magnitude. When Federer and Qureshi shook hands, it seemed in that instant as if Pakistani tennis had been recognised, and that the country had had its much needed ‘positive moment’ on the tennis world stage.
As soon as the match ended, many frenzied phone calls were placed. People who could not articulate what the match itself had meant relied on analogies: ‘just imagine a Pakistani soap artist sharing a set with Al Pacino in a Hollywood movie.’ Comments like, ‘I didn’t know I was capable of such animosity towards Federer,’ were also made by die-hard Pakistani fans of tennis champ. To be fair to the Grand Slam winner, he did look out of sorts sharing the court with someone and not being able to control the fate of the plays. But a loss is nonetheless a loss.
As the initial euphoria from the Qureshi win – more than Pakistan’s victory over New Zealand – was dying down, two magnificent goals by Sohail Abbas propelled Pakistan to a 4-2 win over France in the hockey World Cup qualifiers in Lille, France. It capped an unbelievable day for Pakistan sports with the biggest moments coming from the most unlikely places. Such a hat-trick for Pakistan sports brought back memories of the 1990s when Pakistan ruled the world of cricket, hockey, squash, and snooker. Would it be premature to anticipate more glory days for Pakistan sports?
Taimur Sikander is a sports editor at Dawn.com.
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November 12th, 2009 at 5:04
The author clearly doesn’t follow a lot of tennis. This wasn’t the greatest achievement for Pakistani tennis, nor was it the greatest achievement in Aisam’s career. Qureshi is an accomplished doubles player as is Cerretani. They were favorites to get the win over their wild card opponents (regardless of Federer’s presence) and did so with panache. What would have been the greatest achievement would have been them winning their next match against the world’s best doubles team Zimonjic and Nestor. Unfortunately that was one hurdle too many.
November 10th, 2009 at 13:31
The great Pakistani sports talent needs to be appreciated and rewarded.
In general Pakistani sports talent lacks discipline, training, physical fitness, and mental toughness. It takes professional coaching and training to transform raw talent into a winning combination. When matches are being won by virtue of prayers and not by proper planning, use of tactics and strategies. There is something seriously wrong.
November 10th, 2009 at 1:35
Great Article Taimur !!!
We are very proud of the Glory Aisam has brought to Pakistan. He deserves all the praise for the years of sweat he has put in.
Why doesn’t he play Davis cup for Pakistan anymore? Why doesn’t he play in Pakistan anymore?
The same with our 2 A1 drivers who do not want to race in Pakistani colours anymore. One has gone into wilderness the other to F1 Renault.
The answer is simple but hard to digest. We never gave anything in return to these stars of our country not even respect.
November 9th, 2009 at 19:51
Well great job Aisam. The people of pakistan should feel proud of it. I think its a great achievement. hats off to Aisam. Let me say that the media should also project Aisam. It seems like they have taken sleeping pills. If this had been an indian they would have projected him as super natural being.
November 8th, 2009 at 17:23
Yes, this is an excellent news for the global fans of ‘green-shirt teams’ no matter which sport they represent but the million dollar question at this crucial juncture in time and history is,”For how long can this trend persist?”
November 8th, 2009 at 9:13
Great match and great result! It’s time more folks took up tennis and racquet sports in Pakistan! It’s ony been squash for so long. Hello tennis!
November 7th, 2009 at 12:21
Long live Pakistan….thanks to all our heroes!
November 6th, 2009 at 16:51
This is great news and I pray that our sportsmen achieve more success. AMEEN.
I sincerely hope that we continue to work hard to improve Pakistan, it’s image and more importantly, ourselves.
November 6th, 2009 at 16:42
Welldone Pakistani Players , I hope Pakistani players will perform well in Snooker World Champioship to be held in India and World Golf Championship in China
Pakistan Zindabad
November 6th, 2009 at 16:17
Well its not every day Aisam beats Fedrer on court but we should still remember that we do the best in all parts of the world the only thing is we dont appriciate it as a nation!!!!!!!
long live pakistan and may Allah give us all a chance to serve n make our country proud.
November 6th, 2009 at 14:27
Pakistan Zindabad
Very well written article…….
November 6th, 2009 at 14:22
That’s really great that atleast there is some one who is challenging the top slot of the sport’s world.
November 6th, 2009 at 13:52
Well done Pakistan!
Excellent season!
November 6th, 2009 at 12:54
I saw that match live and my hands were always up praying for our Pakistani hero and seems in full Action, may Allah give him a long life and he play for our Nation and InshaAllah he willl become a Top Tennis Player of the World.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:39
Even the biggest fans of Federer from Pakistan wanted this time Quereshi to win. I think govt has now no excuses , they should support the Tennis just like hockey or cricket because the current achievement by Quereshi suggested that we have some future in this sport as well.
Quereshi has really made all of Pakistani feel proud. He also deserves atleast to be attended at the airport by prominent figures of our country on his arrival back to home pakistan.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:10
Thank God, Its not all doom and gloom. There is something to cheer about as well. May Allah help us overcome our internal and external problems and we take pride in who we are (PAKISTANIS)and in our on and off field achievements, Amen.
We should recognize the achievements of our countrymen and reward them for their brilliant performances.
LONG LIVE PAKISTAN
LONG LIVE PAKISTAN
LONG LIVE PAKISTAN
And last but not least,
LONG LIVE PAKISTANIS
November 6th, 2009 at 9:41
a perfectly articulated article…!
with all the gloom we have in lives today seeing our people being treated as inhumans. You made us have the courage and confidence again or else these wins would have passed by as mere happenings in our lives.
May Allah give even more victories to our nation.
November 6th, 2009 at 0:54
Wonderful achievement, however, sad on the part of Pakistan media ignoring these events. It seems Pakistan media is there to serve anti national causes such as faking stories about the Younis Khan’s team loss to New Zealand. Instead of cheering them up they chose to play into Indian media hands.
November 5th, 2009 at 18:46
Pakistanis are always the best when they are performing to their potential.
The only Missing Factor is the Home Environment which is not encouraging enough to provide our youngs much needed CONFIDENCE to rock the world.
The world has not seen this for the first time, that SPORTS have lifted the spirits of the most troubled nation on earth at this moment, Pakistan.
Long Live Pakistan and its BRAVE youth which always come forward to give the nation something to cheer up.
November 5th, 2009 at 18:25
Good Job guys, and Inshallah keep doing a better job. Allah ka shukar hai that finally some relief atleast in sports.
November 5th, 2009 at 17:52
Its good to hear such a news….HAT trick indeed…..Pakistan Zindabad
November 5th, 2009 at 14:56
A wonderful article, written in the most heart felt way!
Hats off to our heroes who makes us feel a proud Pakistani.
May Allah protect our country from this biggest conspiracy of all times to destabilize Pakistan. Ameen !
November 5th, 2009 at 14:08
Well Done. Such a great news after long time. Wish you play Wembeldon one day. Hats off for you!! God bless Pakistan.
November 5th, 2009 at 13:43
A great achievement by a Pakistani. Congrats. But look at our media which is alway out to portray the country as a troubled state. Had it been done by any Indian you could see the coverage in thier media. Our media should come forward and highlight this achievement. Truly great. Media should show the recording of this match.
November 5th, 2009 at 13:01
I almost had tears of joy in my eyes on reading the article. It’s another ray of fresh air after the T20 World Cup victory. We have the ability to out-perform “The Best in the Business” it’s just a matter of having the opportunity.
Hats off to Aisam
November 5th, 2009 at 13:00
First of all Congratulations to the PAKISTANI NATION – Always proud to be a Pakistani.
Secondly, a very good eye on all these sports because being a common man, I really didnt knew any thing about Hockey AT ALL. So I personally thank you TAIMUR for being so aware and also spreading it as well.
Great work PAKISTANI SPORTS GUYS, Specially Afridi, Aisam and Sohail Abbas.
November 5th, 2009 at 13:00
A hat-trick indeed but not worth much except Aisam beating federer, the Pakistan vs. newzealand cricket series does’nt hold much value and the hockey victory is a qualification tornament for a country which used to “own” the hockey field!
November 5th, 2009 at 12:45
Well done Aisam . Keep it up !
November 5th, 2009 at 12:20
I think it is a result of great dedication, devotion and determination from this guy who has been persistently working hard while not taking into account the scarcity of facilties and support from the government.
Well done Aisam you really deserve it.
I hope that era of our glorious succeses in sports will come back. Inshaallah
November 5th, 2009 at 11:50
Way to go Pakistani’s we all are proud of you. May Allah keep our motherland safe. Ameen.
November 5th, 2009 at 11:07
INSHALLAH, we will bring more and more glories like this to this part of the world as it is badly needed at this stage, INSHALLAH GOD will help us all in this regard.
November 5th, 2009 at 11:03
Alhamdulillah.
we should thanks to Almighty Allah that he gives us the most beautiful country in the world and brilliant people as well. We have to realize this before it’s too late.
PAKISTAN ZINDA AUR PAINDABAD…
November 5th, 2009 at 10:38
Govt should promote sports. Instead of making parks, Govt should make Tennis, Volley Ball, Bandminton courts with reasonable maintenance fees as those who has the talent to play and can not afford, get the opportunity to show their skills to world and prove that Pakistan has got the real talent in every field.
November 5th, 2009 at 10:11
ALL THE BEST FOR ALL PAKISTANI in every aspect of life. well done our national players,. u make us happy Allah bless u.
November 5th, 2009 at 9:40
Congrats to the nation! Many prayers for our sportsmen bringing smiles and glory! Pakistan Zindabad!
November 5th, 2009 at 9:31
As salam o alikum all,
Aisam ul Haq you make us proud!. May u get more like this, this is the only start you have to go on & on & on. Country is with you. I hope now tennis federation must arrange funds for you.
Pakistan Zindabad
November 5th, 2009 at 9:29
These exploits of Pakistani sportsmen has reinforced the fact that there is no dearth of talent in this country. All we need is use of merit in selection, hardwork, dedication and above all Discipline. We can certainly out perform many of our neighboring rivals in the field of sports.
November 5th, 2009 at 9:19
Aisam has made something possible which was impossible. Who could have thought that Pakistan could secure such a victory.
Although our govt has done nothing to help you in your efforts but you have made all of us very happy. I would not use the term very proud for it but im proud. Yes we are very thankful to ALLAH for letting us have this big happy moment a memorable victory through Aisam.
November 5th, 2009 at 9:13
Pakistani’s have ability to show our real metal in most desperate of times. Our blessings are countless. This is what makes Pakistani’s unique.
November 5th, 2009 at 4:44
Way to go Aisam!! And what a wonderfully written article. Such a warm feel good feeling it brings. Pakistan Zindabad
November 5th, 2009 at 4:17
Pakistan Zindabad, InshAllah!
With love,
from Pakistanis in Ireland.
November 5th, 2009 at 4:16
I think this is the biggest and postive news I heard after june when our cricket team won T20 world cup. I like to Congratulate them on winning the first match, you don’t know how much this news source of joy for us especially Pakistani student community at UNSW sydney
November 5th, 2009 at 4:07
I just love DAWN!
They have stunning and talented bloggers and to add to that list we now have Taimur.
Taimur Bhai thanks for that article, and thanks for recognizing the hockey performances and the tennis performance by Aisam -ul- Haq.
Pakistan Zindabad
November 5th, 2009 at 3:45
First of all I would like to thank Allah (Remember Boom Boom). Thanks to every player who contributed to this hat trick of wins, from Khalid Latif to Sohail Abbas.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:34
I am very proud Pakistani today. I wish we should stop all schedule TV shows and show our performance in sport and inspire the nation from hopelessness and bring us together as Paksitan FIRST…
November 5th, 2009 at 2:58
Aisam has made every Pakistani proud, he has achieved this level all by himself because of his passion and love for tennis. Tennis board should be ashamed of there severe incompetency, corrupt mentality and giving more importance to other issues then his talent. May GOD BLESS PAKISTAN.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:37
Well done Aisam bhai. Your a Pakistani Hero. Thanks for this..:)
November 5th, 2009 at 2:36
Just goes to prove that we are a nation and we can hold our own with the best of the best, if given the opportunity. We shall come out of this and be what we are mean to be a great nation. Pakistan Zindabad!!
November 5th, 2009 at 2:31
Very well done indeed Pakistan particularly for Aisam ul haq who has achieved all this without much help. Our sports men are our real ambassadors, you make us proud!
November 5th, 2009 at 2:09
We can all remember the glory days of Pakistan Sportsmen, but lets not forget these are just few games not titles that are won at all 3 fronts. Lets keep the focus and pursue it till the end. Keep up the hard work. Our prayers are with you all.
November 5th, 2009 at 0:52
Very good performance from Aisam. God bless him, God Bless Pakistan and entire Muslim Ummah.(Ameen)
November 5th, 2009 at 0:20
Well done Aisam!! You have made all of us proud of your achievements over the last 10 years!
I remember playing Aisam in an U-18 Federal Cup tournament in Islamabad. I lost in straight sets (of course after some resistance) but i still reminisce to people that I played our tennis champ many years ago and it was a honor to share the same court with him. I am glad that he has been able to bring glory to our beloved country.
November 5th, 2009 at 0:08
I had almost given hope of any article on the big feat of Aisam. I want to convey my congratulations to him and Pakistan. We need to support all our stars not just cricket which anyway is no longer a sport but a business.
Please give him a big welcome which he deserves.
-An Indian.
November 4th, 2009 at 23:45
We are talented, yeh zameen bohut zarkhaaz hai thori si care and off we go. well done specially tennis and hockey. Congratulations for producing such wonderful results. dil khush kita aae tussi.
November 4th, 2009 at 23:27
Aisam made Pakistan Proud today. Whatever the odds are InshahAllah Pakistan will always shine.
Pakistan Zindabad
November 4th, 2009 at 23:25
Pakistani’s, enjoy this moment of happiness we can do way beyond that.
Zinda Bad Pakistan
November 4th, 2009 at 23:21
After reading about the pain and sorrow we Pakistani’s are going through, this blog was like a fresh air. To be honest i felt very emotional when i read it. Its like ” Yes we can, we can and we will ” I hope and pray that Qureshi one day plays a final in wimbledon Inshallah. Being a Die hard Roger fan, surprisingly i am not sad over the loss but very happy that a Pakistani played him and played so well =)
November 4th, 2009 at 23:00
Alhamdu-Lillah. I am very happy and almost had tears in my eyes. Thanks Allah Subhanahu wa taala, for every incidence of happiness or success regardless of how imperceptible it is. Pakistan is going through very tough times. Its enemies are surrounded it all around and looking every minute to cause harm to it. every day some bad news makes headlines on media all over the world. But such even small news of success in international sports bring hope and happiness to all pakistani communities living all over the world. I wish pakistan and every Pakistani best of luck not only in international sports but also in all aspects of life.
November 4th, 2009 at 22:54
Indeed it gave us joy, particularly I would like to comment about hockey & tennis in hockey we used to rule the world but what happened is a piece of history, having seeing that now team Pakistan playing in a combine & a zeal full manner, really great hopefully Pakistan will also beat Japan as well. About tennis Pakistan didn’t get the opportunity to show its true colors in a court of tennis but in a shape of Aisam we finally managed to do so besides that Aisam managed to arrange resources by his own pocket & what govt is doing in its part. Aisam is a complete package for the youth of Pakistan and beating Federer the Champ is too good, I do hope Aisam will able to beat Federar in a singles as well.
November 4th, 2009 at 22:35
Thank you Aisam Qureshi.
One bright spot among doom and gloom.
We have always been proud of this nation’s son Aisam.
Keep it up.
November 4th, 2009 at 21:45
Good news and well written article by Taimur Sikander. To the question posed by you at the end of the article. We can anticipate more glory days with greater degree of confidence if we promote healthy activity of sports and recreation among our society both for competitive and recreational purposes. If most of us (regardless of age and gender) involve ourselves in a recreation activity that is appropriate and fun for us. Then chances of finding talents like Aisam, Sohail Abbass and Mohammad Aamir will be more not just in the sports you mention but in many other as well. And that will be just the bonus. Main benefit of that would be healthier and prosperous society. Pakistan does have a potential to be a great sporting country.
November 4th, 2009 at 21:36
Shabaash Cheetay!
Pakistan Zindabad.
November 4th, 2009 at 21:33
It shows we have great talent in our Nation, we just have to focus on the right things and we can achieve anything we set our minds to. Also we should not expect our players winning all the time, it just is not possible. So be gracious to our players when they do not win the games.
They make us proud every once in a while and we should be grateful for their efforts. We should honour them and cherish them.
November 4th, 2009 at 21:25
Hats off to you first Taimur Sikander, who wrote such a wonderful article. Any other writer cannot thread so many beauties together. The three great events would have gone unnoticed if you had not done so in such an impressive manner.
On the achievement of Aisam, I join other commentators (above) who have expressed their delight so beautifully and wished more glories for Pakistan. Indeed, there is no dearth of ‘Aisams’ in Pakistan. They are there at every nook and corner of our beloved land. Our so-called institutions just need to come out of their self-serving things and concentrate on talents.
“Zara nam ho to yeh matti bari zarkhez hai saaqi”.
November 4th, 2009 at 20:46
Aisam is the professional and the face of Pakistani tennis. He has virtually single handedly put Pakistan on the Tennis map. This victory is only the beginning and (if Pakistan Tennis Federation has any sense) can be channelled to fuel growth of tennis in Pakistan. I hope Pakistan Government rewards and honors Aisam on this great achievement.
November 4th, 2009 at 20:40
Congratulations to all the sportsmen concerned, well done!
I cant beliece govt. spend so much money on things of interest & overlooked a sportsmen like Aisam!
life is indeed unfair.
November 4th, 2009 at 20:08
Aisam has done something so significant that I don’t think I can actually express my feelings in words.
It actually remind me the day 2 years ago, when I talked Aisam in a morning show and I said to him we want to see you beating Federer, and He actually done that.
KEEP IT UP AISAM, and all fans keep their hopes alive the day will come when he beat him in a singles encounter INSHALLAH.
November 4th, 2009 at 19:50
Great piece of article by the writer and all hats off to Aisam ul haq bravo dear u brought a smile on many bruised faces and told the world a bruised lion is STILL A LION!!!
November 4th, 2009 at 19:40
Great Aisam-ul-Haq Qurashi Great.
We are really proud of you.
Time will come when Pakistan flourish in all field.
Geo Pakstan.
November 4th, 2009 at 19:34
PAKISTAN ZINDABAD!!!
November 4th, 2009 at 19:13
TAIMUR – you are the man !!! Yes of course Aisam, cricket team and hocket team actually achieved it but we need more Taimur to highlight the positives.
Here is another positive – if Pakistani nation can achieve that sort of thing while we are at war and internally we are in utter chaos. Imagine what will happen if we had good governance. Finally it also shows that there is an inherent strength in our people. Pakistani nation and country is here to stay and all those talking about this nation breaking should stop saying such things.
November 4th, 2009 at 19:02
Pakistan should enjoy this moment as much as they can. And hope they come home with tour victory in all three.
Good luck Pakistan.
November 4th, 2009 at 18:43
Many many congrats to Aisam ul Haq. The nation desperately need such news. We are proud of you.
November 4th, 2009 at 18:43
Thats great. It really is nice to hear something like this. Wish Aisam even more success in the days to come.
November 4th, 2009 at 18:41
Great show, especially by Aisam.
We need such moral boosters in such a critical time for our beloved country.
May Allah bless our Country.
Welldone Pakistan….
Keep it up…
Pakistan Zindaabad….
November 4th, 2009 at 18:32
The thing what makes me the happiest is hearing the words “that’s tremendous serving by the Pakistani”
I cant say in words how proud I am of Aisam. All those who didnt beleive in him should be ashamed now.
I hope he goes on to win the tournament along with his american pall, that’ll be some news
November 4th, 2009 at 18:17
Aisam, I am proud of you and I am sure the whole nation is. You have given us what we exactly needed at this crucial time of our history. Lots of love and best wishes for you!!
I would urge our government to please recognise that country’s image can easily be improved just by taking sports seriously, as we have one of the best talents in the world of sports. The nation having Shahid Afridi, Aisam Qureshi and Suhail Abbas should not be recognised as an embarrassed nation anywhere.
November 4th, 2009 at 18:11
Victories in sports are the only good news we’re left with it.
A big thanks to all the winners!
November 4th, 2009 at 18:03
A big Thank you to Aisam, you made us happy and proud. please accept apologies on behalf of Pakistan for not recognizing your talent and efforts.
November 4th, 2009 at 18:00
May ALLAH TALLA help us in attaining victory in every field of life & a bright future for our coming generations & promote an environment which is full of PEACE & happiness.Ameen
Pakistan Zindabaad.:-)
November 4th, 2009 at 18:00
Mashallah, I request PTV to show recording of the match. Also, amongst the comments somebody threw up Lahori tennis, what is this buddy being a Lahori myself I am ashamed of you for not calling this “Pakistani tennis”. anyways, lets celebrate together.
Long live Aisam
November 4th, 2009 at 17:43
Something to smile about, for a bruised and battered nation. Let this be a harbinger of things to come.
This is the same Aisam who was branded as a traitor and was sidelined because he paired with an Israeli player in a doubles tournament. The best way to respond to hollow critics is by winning. Well done Aisam, you are an unsung hero of Pakistan sports!
November 4th, 2009 at 17:41
WOW
PAKISTAN ZINDABAD
HAR HALL MAY…
JEO PAKISTAN HAZARO SALL
HAQ..WE ARE PROUD OF U…
November 4th, 2009 at 17:35
As a HR Person, I believe real Talent is always manifested through its own course; rather than waiting to be hunted. Aisam is a typical example of such a talent; needless to mention what the Khan family did in Squash. The question is that they all play for the love of sports first, and the nation comes second ; that is, how I believe it should be, as it justifies the passion for sports.
Thanks Ali
November 4th, 2009 at 16:59
I can see talent here there and every where in pakistan.From young lads playing “Gulli danda” in streets to professionals at “Golf Clubs” but seldom is the case when this talent reaches the top….who is to blame….I think the government…The days of glory are just around the corner if government take necessary steps for the development of sports in Pakistan
November 4th, 2009 at 16:56
We used to be World Champion in 4 sports same time in early ninties & Aisam Victory
could easily be considered as one of this kind!
A Marvellous feat more beacuse funded by himself! What a pity from Pakistan Sports Authorities – why blame any one else!!
November 4th, 2009 at 16:52
Its reminds me the glimpse of great glory days of pakistan sports, which didn’t lost long. Now all of us hoping it will come back for our nation.
November 4th, 2009 at 16:50
Bravo Aisam. Truly a remarkable victory. I hope and pray that Aisam one day plays the Wimbeldon final.
November 4th, 2009 at 16:49
Taimur, Thanks for for such a lovely article.
Hats off to Aisam on his great achievement.
Inshallah he will bring more laurels to Pakistan.
Good on pou Pakistan.
November 4th, 2009 at 16:44
I saw Aisam in Wimbledon winning the second round of doubles. He made me 5 years younger that day. What a talent, what a serve and touch volley; perfect ambassador for a Lahori style of tennis.
November 4th, 2009 at 16:43
Very good achievments.
Despite all the problems, lack of facilities, Pak is blessed with talents.
Qureshi funds all his International tours himself. That’s the state of sports in Pakistan and this is why each achievement is huge.
Imagine, proper facilities, training etc .. Pak would be quite a name in Sports overall.
November 4th, 2009 at 16:37
Wonderful news! Even as an Indian I appreciate this. Energy if channelized properly can work wonders. Let this be the stimulus for all of you to move to constructive pursuits, esp the misguided Talibani youths.
November 4th, 2009 at 16:35
Taimur,Thanks for such a wonderful article.Hats off to Aisam lone fighter of Pakistan tennis.
Inshallah he will bring more laurels for Pakistan.
Good on You Pakistan.
November 4th, 2009 at 16:28
Encounter triumph over cricket and hockey.
November 4th, 2009 at 16:17
We need more playgrounds in each city and in even villages. So that we can produce better talents.
November 4th, 2009 at 16:17
MashAllah, thats great work. Weired thing is that our govt/ministry/boards have funds to give salaries to PCB Chairman Mr. Butt and other useless people & cannot fund a super star like Aisam Ul Haq. He has to fund out of his own pocket what a shame
November 4th, 2009 at 16:01
Congrats on these sporting success
Wish Pakistan to come out their present turmoils with Youth energy spent in sports and education ..
India Pakistan series should be played to help pakistan to create more positive vibes among pakistanis
India will never be prosperous when our neighbors in South Asia are suffering
Good Luck Pakistan
November 4th, 2009 at 16:01
Taimur,
Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely fantastic – Aisam has surely made us proud – inshALLAH good days in all norms of life are not that too far for Pakistan!
November 4th, 2009 at 15:56
A very well-written story that will make every pakistani feel proud to be one. We need to celebrate these victories in the face of such trying times! bravo!
November 4th, 2009 at 15:51
Its really nice to hear such news regarding pakistanis. May Allah swt give more achievements in every field.
November 4th, 2009 at 15:48
Pakistan is a team whose performance is extremely unpredictable.It has always performed to the extreme level, either the best or the worst.
November 4th, 2009 at 15:41
The article made me smile and my eyes gleam with happiness! A very well-written and interesting account of one of the best days in Pakistani sports in recent times! I am feeling so proud of our Pakistani players and the way they are projecting such a positive side of our country!
November 4th, 2009 at 15:38
Absolutely wonderful performance by Pakistanis in the sporting arena.May God Almighty give them more success in future. AMEEN
November 4th, 2009 at 15:25
Well done PAKISTAN……PAKISTAN ZINDAABAD