Pakistan claimed its best-ever result at the ITF Masters World Team Championships, winning silver in the 45+ category in Portugal. The national side lost 2-1 to top-seeded Spain in the final.
Pakistan’s over-45 men’s tennis team achieved its best-ever finish at the ITF Masters World Team Championships. The team won silver in Portugal after losing 2-1 to top-seeded Spain in the final.
The final was decided in the second singles match. Pakistan’s Aqeel Khan lost 6-4, 6-2 to Spain’s Francisco Javier Martinez Baena.
Aqeel was one of Pakistan’s standout performers throughout the tournament. He impressed in singles and also secured doubles wins with former Davis Cup player Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi.
Pakistan reached the championship match after beating the United States, Canada, hosts Portugal and Sweden. More than 30 nations and over 300 players took part in the event, and Pakistan finished as the only Asian side to claim a medal.
The medal ceremony was held at the Jamor Tennis Centre in Portugal, where the Pakistani team received silver medals and the runners-up trophy from the president of the International Tennis Federation and the president of the Portuguese Tennis Federation. Paulo Domingues, Portugal’s ambassador to Pakistan, also attended the ceremony.
Qureshi praised his teammates after the final and said, “This has been an unforgettable week for Pakistan tennis.” He congratulated Aqeel Khan, Shehryar Salamat and Hadi Hussain for their commitment, professionalism and teamwork.
He also thanked sponsors Lama Retail, SICAS Schools, Tablevelics and Faizan Steel for supporting the team. He also appreciated supporters in Pakistan and abroad.
Qureshi also praised Ambassador Domingues for attending the closing ceremony. He said such gestures strengthen the friendship between Pakistan and Portugal and meant a great deal to the team.
