Asiam held a press conference in Islamabad on November 4 where he also emphasized that Pakistan will host the ATP Challengers event for the first time, which will be held in the capital from November 24.
“This is a great honor for Pakistan which will highlight its soft image in the world,” he said addressing a press conference. “After cricket, tennis has become the second sport in which the most foreign players are coming to Pakistan.
“We all have the responsibility to highlight Pakistan’s soft image in the world.”
He also added that Interior Minister and the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi gave a positive response for the development of tennis and the issue of lease of the Pakistan Tennis Federation Complex in the capital has also been resolved.
“I have to express gratitude sspecially to Mohsin Naqvi in regards to the lease of PTF complex,” said Aisam-ul-Haq.
The 2010 US Open doubles finalist said that junior players are promoted now and he appreciated Mikael Ali Baig, who has shown excellent performance in the World Tennis Junios championship J-30 event.
He highlighted that Shayan Afridi and Mikael have qualified for the main round of U-12 and U-16.
“The future of young players is bright and we are hopeful for their participation in the Grand Slam,” he said.
He further said that there is a progressive increase in the international events and participation for Pakistani players, and the country has been hosting international events successfully.
“This year the PTF have organised five international tournaments and sent twelve teams abroad, while next year seven ITF events will be organised,” he revealed the plans.
Aisam-ul-Haq said that 2026 will be a busy and wonderful year for tennis in Pakistan, while a tennis league will also be organised in Pakistan next year. He said that we are also paying full attention to the development of women’s tennis.