Pakistan secured a historic silver medal at the ITF Masters World Team Championships in the 45+ age category after going down 2-1 to top seeds and tournament favourites Spain in a closely contested final at the Jamor Tennis Centre.
The runners-up finish marks Pakistan’s best-ever performance at the ITF Masters World Team Championships and places the country among the leading nations in the 45+ category.
According to information made available here by Pakistan Tennis Federation, the decisive contest came in the second singles, where Pakistan’s Aqeel Khan was beaten 6-4, 6-2 by Spain’s Francisco Javier Martinez Baena in a clash between two of the tournament’s leading players.
Aqeel had enjoyed an outstanding campaign, registering a series of impressive victories in both singles and doubles alongside former Pakistan No. 1 Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi. However, after several consecutive days of demanding and high-intensity matches, fatigue proved a decisive factor against a fresh and formidable Spanish side.
Pakistan’s impressive journey to the final included victories over the United States, Canada, hosts Portugal and Sweden, earning the team a well-deserved place on the championship podium.
The medal ceremony was held at the Jamor Tennis Centre, where Pakistan received the silver medals and runners-up trophy from the President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the President of the Portuguese Tennis Federation.
The ceremony was also attended by Paulo Domingues, Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, whose presence and support were warmly appreciated by the Pakistani contingent.
Competing against more than 30 nations and over 300 players, Pakistan emerged as the only Asian country to win a medal at the championship, underlining the growing strength and competitiveness of Pakistani players in international Masters tennis.
Following the medal ceremony, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi congratulated his teammates and thanked everyone who contributed to the team’s memorable campaign.
“This has been an unforgettable week for Pakistan tennis. I want to congratulate my teammates Aqeel Khan, Shehryar Salamat and Hadi Hussain for their commitment, professionalism and outstanding teamwork throughout the championship,” Aisam said.
“Every member of the squad played an important role in helping us reach the final.”
Aisam also expressed his gratitude to the team’s sponsors, Lama Retail, SICAS Schools, Tablevelics and Faizan Steel, saying their generous support had made Pakistan’s participation possible.
He also appreciated the Pakistani media for following the tournament and keeping the public informed through regular match reports, photographs and video coverage.
“We are equally grateful to all our supporters in Pakistan and abroad whose encouragement meant so much to the team,” he added.
Aisam extended special thanks to the Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, Paulo Domingues, for attending the closing medal ceremony and supporting the team during its stay in Portugal.
“Gestures like these strengthen the friendship between our two countries and meant a great deal to our team,” he said.
Pakistan’s historic silver medal is a fitting reward for a team that displayed resilience, sportsmanship, determination and unity throughout the championship.
