Pakistani youth show their grit at the Asian Intercontinental Team Championships

They defeated Thailand 2-1 to secured the fifth place on their debut in the event

ISLAMABAD:

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Thailand had defeated Pakistan in the finals of the ATF 12 & under Team Competition in Singapore in August 2025, but the latter  took revenge in their second encounter now.

The tournament featured strong teams from Australia, Africa (CAT), China, Chinese Taipei, South America (COSAT), Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Korea, New Zealand, Pacific Oceania, Pakistan, and Thailand.

Pakistan underwent an intensive training camp at the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Complex from September 14 to 25  under Captain Muhammad Abid, and physiology classes were also arranged for the team for their mental strength before going to Kazakhstan.

The team’s journey began in May 2025 in Sri Lanka, where they won the ATF 12 & Under South Asia Regional Team Championship by beating India in the semifinal and Indonesia in the final, before qualifying for the Asian Finals in Singapore held in August 2025.

There they achieved a commendable sixth place, earning their spot in this prestigious intercontinental event for the first time.

Both in Sri Lanka and Singapore, the team was led by Captain Muhammad Nameer Shamsi, who played a pivotal role in preparing the team. 

In 2024, the squad also underwent a one-month training camp in Kazakhstan, which helped sharpen their skills for these high-level competitions.

Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), praised the young team’s efforts.

“The Pakistan team has played outstanding tennis throughout the tournament, competing against the top junior teams from around the world. I am extremely proud of their performance and dedication. Special congratulations to the team captain Mr. Muhammad Abid for his excellent leadership,” he said.

Qureshi added that the team’s success reflected the federation’s ongoing efforts to promote tennis across the country.

Col (R) Zia-ud-din Tufail, Secretary-General PTF, also lauded the players’ consistency and progress.

“Our team has performed consistently well throughout the tournament. We hope they will continue to develop and bring further pride to Pakistan in the future,” he said, also congratulating Captain Abid for his strong leadership.

The PTF management extended their appreciation to the team for their commendable performance and discipline throughout the international campaign.

Pakistan’s results

Pakistan vs Korea – 1-2
Pakistan vs New Zealand – 2-1
Pakistan vs Australia – 0-2
Pakistan vs Colombia – 2-1
Pakistan vs Thailand – 2-1