World Juniors Tennis Championship Kicks Off in Islamabad with Global Participation

The ITF Pakistan Zainab Ali Naqvi Memorial World Juniors Tennis Championship – Leg 1 officially began on Saturday at the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Complex, welcoming young tennis talents from across the world to compete on Pakistani soil.

This prestigious event is being held in memory of Zainab Ali Naqvi, a rising tennis star from Karachi who passed away in February 2024 during an ITF tournament in Islamabad due to a sudden cardiac arrest.

Players from 14 Nations Competing

A total of 59 junior athletes — including 38 boys and 21 girls — are taking part in the tournament, representing 14 countries:
Pakistan, Japan, China, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Turkey, Austria, Sweden, Russia, Korea, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

This international gathering highlights Pakistan’s growing presence in global tennis and provides an opportunity for local players to gain valuable experience.

Tributes to Zainab Ali Naqvi

PTF President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi opened the tournament with an emotional tribute: “Zainab was an inspiration to young athletes across Pakistan. Her dedication and love for the sport will never be forgotten. This championship ensures her memory lives on.”

PTF Secretary General Col. (R) Zia ud Din Tufail emphasized the significance of the event: “This tournament not only honors Zainab’s legacy but also encourages youth to follow in her footsteps by promoting values of discipline, resilience, and fair play.”

Qualifying Matches Underway

The qualifying rounds began Saturday, with several competitive matches. Highlights include:

• Diar Amanbek (Kazakhstan) defeated Gota Inoue (Japan) in a thrilling match: 6-2, 3-6, 13-11
• Djamal Khakimov (Russia) overcame Bilal Awais Janjua (Pakistan): 6-2, 7-5

The final qualifying round will take place Sunday at 10:00 AM, while the main draw of the tournament will commence on Monday, featuring top-ranked junior players from participating countries.

A Platform for Rising Stars

The ITF Juniors event in Islamabad offers a valuable platform for young athletes to earn international ranking points and gain competitive experience. It also serves as a cultural bridge, bringing together players from diverse backgrounds to compete in a spirit of friendship and respect.