ISLAMABAD
The curtains fell on the 37th OGDCL Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships with a spectacular and action-packed final day at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Islamabad.
The event not only celebrated the triumph of Pakistan’s tennis elite but also shone a light on a promising new generation of skillful and talented young players, brimming with potential to become the future of professional tennis in the country.
The prestigious championship, now in its 37th edition, continues to be organized annually by the Islamabad Tennis Association. This year’s tournament featured over 120 players competing across six categories: Men’s Singles & Doubles, Ladies’ Singles, Boys’ U18 Singles, Boys’ U14 Singles, and Girls’ U12 Singles. A total of PKR 850,000 was distributed among winners and runners-up as prize money and travel allowances.
Weather Delay and a Thrilling Men’s Singles FinalDue to a thunderstorm and rain in the capital city, the Men’s Singles Final—originally scheduled for 4:00 PM—started later than planned. However, the delay did not dampen the intensity or quality of tennis that followed.
In a thrilling showdown, 23-year-old top seed Muhammad Shoaib of PAF successfully defended his title against Muzammil Murtaza in an exhilarating three-set battle that lasted over 2 hours and 58 minutes. Shoaib claimed victory with scores of 7-6(6), 2-6, 6-4.
Muzammil started strong, breaking Shoaib early and taking a 3-0 lead. However, Shoaib quickly adjusted his strategy, breaking back in the fifth game and forcing a tiebreak after both players held serve. In the tiebreak, Shoaib’s early mini-break and consistent pressure earned him a hard-fought 8-6 win in the first set.
The second set saw Muzammil bounce back with renewed focus, breaking Shoaib’s serve in the 4th and 6th games to level the match with a 6-2 win. In the deciding set, both players showcased exceptional baseline rallies and strategic cross-court play, reaching 4-4.
Shoaib then delivered a clinical performance, breaking Muzammil’s serve in the ninth game with powerful down-the-line winners. He maintained his composure while serving for the match, forcing unforced errors from his opponent and sealing the final set 6-4.
The enthralling final was officiated by ITF White Badge Umpire Husnain Mehmood, ensuring a high standard of officiating. Earlier in the day, in the Junior 18 & Under Singles Final, Muhammad Salar emerged as the champion, defeating promising Islamabad youngster M. Hazik Aasim in a competitive straight-sets match. The encounter showcased the growing depth of talent in Pakistan’s junior tennis ranks, with both players displaying impressive skill and composure.
Although Mr. Ahmad Hayat Lak, Managing Director of OGDCL, and Ch. Muhammad Aslam, Managing Director of Air Blue, were unable to attend the final due to urgent official engagements, the prize distribution ceremony was graced by distinguished guests.
Mr. Muhammad Shafik, Director Commercial–Air Blue, Mr. Majid Bashir, President of the Islamabad Tennis Association, and Mr. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), attended as Guests of Honor and distributed trophies and prizes to the winners and runners-up. Additionally, Mr. M.T. Cheema, Secretary of the Islamabad Tennis Association, and Mr. Ahsan Raza Zaidi also took part in presenting awards and acknowledging the players’ commendable performances.
Following are the Results:Men’s Singles Final:Muhammad Shoaib beat Muzammil Murtaza 7-6(6), 2-6, 6-4 Junior 18&Under Singles Final Muhammad Salar beat M.Hazik Aasim 7-5 6-3.
