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The hard courts of Lahore’s historic Aitchison College came alive once again as the 8th Aitchison College National Junior Tennis Championship concluded recently, reaffirming the institution’s enduring commitment to nurturing young sporting talent. Supported by the Punjab Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA), the event brought together some of the country’s most promising junior players for a week of competitive and inspiring tennis.
This was not just another tournament. It was a reflection of how Pakistan’s institution synonymous with sporting excellence, Aitchison College, is combining tradition, discipline and opportunity. From cricket legends like Majid Khan, Imran Khan, and Rameez Raja to hockey stalwarts Hasan Sardar, Qasim Zia, Akhtar Rasool, tennis icon Rashid Malik, squash legend Sakhiullah Tareen, who are among the top national sports nutritionists. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed, and now a new generation of tennis hopefuls, Achison’s contribution to Pakistan’s sports landscape is unparalleled.
Under the guidance of the Principal of Aitchison College, Dr. SM Tourb Hussain, and Sajjad Rasool, Director of Tournaments and Head of Sports and Tennis at Aitchison, the championship was executed with remarkable professionalism. Sajjad Rasool, himself a driving force behind the college’s sports infrastructure, has long been instrumental in organizing tennis and other sporting events. His intricate organization ensured that young athletes not only competed at the highest level, but also experienced the sportsmanship and ethos of integrity that defines Aitchison’s legacy.
The five-day event, organized under the umbrella of the Punjab Lawn Tennis Association, showcased the potential of Pakistan’s brightest young tennis players. It provided an important platform for the next generation to gain experience and exposure under the watchful eye of veterans like Rashid Malik and Haseeb Aslam, who have tirelessly supported grassroots tennis through PLTA’s vision.
The star performer of the championship was Abubakar Tala, who completed a sensational double crown by winning both the boys’ Under-18 singles and doubles titles. His 6-2, 6-0 win over Ahtsham Humayun in the singles final and a thrilling doubles victory over Achison College’s young star Amir Mazari (6-3, 7-5) showed his maturity, consistency and promise. In the girls’ under-18 final, Bismal Zia commanded it with a 6-1, 6-0 win over Fajr Fayaz that highlighted the growing strength of Pakistan’s young female tennis contingent.
The closing ceremony, graced by Principal Dr SM Torb Hussain, was a celebration of youth, discipline and opportunity. Dr. Torab praised the PLTA for its tireless work in grassroots advocacy and commended them for their dedication to young athletes. “Sportsmanship, resilience and leadership are all core values that we stand for at Aitchison,” he remarked, emphasizing that the college’s role extends beyond education to nation-building through sports.
The Punjab Lawn Tennis Association, in collaboration with leading educational institutions, plays an important role in the development of tennis. Having recently organized the Scos Punjab Junior Tennis Championship, PLTA’s ongoing partnership with Aitchison reflects a sustained effort to build a competitive tennis culture in Punjab.
Aitchison’s contribution to Pakistan’s sporting identity is both historic and inspirational. From producing Olympians and Test captains in emerging sports like tennis to developing athletes in emerging sports, Aitchison’s legacy is built on a simple philosophy, nurturing talent, building discipline, and serving the nation. The eighth Aitchison College National Junior Tennis Championship was another example of this enduring vision.
– By Sarfaraz Ahmed