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Aisam-ul-Haq vows to uplift Pakistan tennis with action, not words
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 9:58 GMT by Geo Super🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Aisam‑ul‑Haq Vows to Uplift Pakistan Tennis with Action, Not Words
In a stirring address that reverberated across the country’s sporting circles, Pakistan’s tennis icon Aisam‑ul‑Haq announced a bold new plan to revitalize the sport he helped bring into the national spotlight. “It’s time to move beyond rhetoric,” the former top‑200 player told reporters at a press conference held at the Islamabad Sports Complex on Sunday. “Action, not words, is the only way to lift Pakistan tennis to the world stage.”
A Brief Look at Aisam‑ul‑Haq’s Legacy
Aisam‑ul‑Haq, known affectionately as “Aisam” or “The Flying Ace,” rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He became the first Pakistani player to win a main‑draw match at a Grand Slam event when he took down Goran Ivanišević in the 1999 Australian Open. His reputation as a courageous competitor and his humanitarian spirit earned him the “Aisam‑ul‑Haq Award” for sportsmanship and community service. Aisam’s partnership with world‑class players such as Patrick Rafter, and his role in the “Aisam‑ul‑Haq Foundation,” have cemented his status as both a national hero and an advocate for sports development.
The tennis world has long admired Aisam’s flair on court and his willingness to bridge divides. He has been a frequent spokesperson for Pakistani athletes and a vocal proponent of increasing grassroots participation. Yet despite his achievements, the sport in Pakistan remains hampered by infrastructure gaps, limited funding, and a lack of international exposure for upcoming players.
The Call to “Action, Not Words”
During his recent speech, Aisam‑ul‑Haq outlined a comprehensive blueprint that centers on building a national tennis academy, investing in coaching, and creating a pipeline for talent from schools to the international arena. He emphasized the need for collaboration between the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), the Ministry of Sports, private sponsors, and the diaspora.
“Pakistan’s potential in tennis is immense. We have talent; we have passion. What we lack is structure and resources,” he said. “My vision is to establish a world‑class training centre in Islamabad that will serve as the heart of Pakistani tennis. The facility will have multiple indoor courts, state‑of‑the‑art training equipment, and a cadre of experienced coaches—both domestic and international.”
He highlighted the role of technology in modern coaching, noting plans to introduce video analysis, biometric monitoring, and data‑driven performance metrics. “Coaches need to see what the players do, understand their movement patterns, and refine their technique in real time,” Aisam explained. “This is how we will compete with global training programs.”
Grassroots and Coaching: The Two Pillars of Development
Recognizing that elite training alone won’t suffice, Aisam laid out a two‑tiered strategy. The first tier focuses on grassroots development—introducing tennis in schools across major provinces. He proposes a “Tennis in Schools” program, backed by the PTF, to equip institutions with basic equipment, provide coaching staff, and schedule inter‑school tournaments. “We must start young,” he asserted. “If we embed tennis in the culture of our youth, we’ll nurture the next generation of champions.”
The second tier concerns professional coaching. Aisam will partner with established academies abroad, such as the IMG Academy in Florida and the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, to secure exchange programmes for Pakistani coaches. He also plans to invite former ATP and WTA professionals to conduct workshops and clinics across the country. “Learning from the best will elevate our coaching standards,” he said.
Financial Roadmap and Sponsorship
Aisam acknowledged that the ambitious plan will require significant investment. He has already engaged with major corporate sponsors, including a preliminary meeting with a leading telecom conglomerate that expressed interest in sponsoring the national academy. He also intends to tap into the Pakistani diaspora, particularly the vibrant expatriate community in the UK and the US, to secure funding and talent‑scouting opportunities.
“We can’t rely on a single source,” Aisam noted. “The future of Pakistani tennis depends on a diversified financial base—government support, private sponsorship, and community contributions. Every stakeholder has a role.”
Hosting an International Tournament
A landmark component of Aisam’s strategy is to stage an international hard‑court tournament in Pakistan—an ATP 250 event that would serve as a catalyst for local players to earn ranking points, earn prize money, and gain invaluable exposure to high‑level competition. He cited the successful hosting of the Asian Games tennis events in 2010 as proof that Pakistan can organize world‑class tournaments. “The PTF will work with the International Tennis Federation to meet all logistical and regulatory requirements,” he added.
The Humanitarian Angle
Beyond the technical and financial aspects, Aisam’s vision remains rooted in the broader mission of sports as a tool for social development. He has previously organized tennis clinics for underprivileged children in urban slums and rural villages. His foundation’s “Serve for All” initiative will be integrated into the national academy’s outreach programmes, providing free coaching to children who cannot afford it.
A Message to the Community
In closing, Aisam urged the public and the media to support his plan: “We need your voices, your time, and your generosity. The future of tennis in Pakistan is in our hands. Together, we can transform passion into performance.”
The announcement has already sparked enthusiasm among local sports journalists, former players, and young athletes. The PTF has expressed its commitment to aligning its policies with Aisam’s vision, and a memorandum of understanding between the federation and the Ministry of Sports was signed within days of the press conference.
As the country listens, the message is clear: Aisam‑ul‑Haq’s pledge to act—by building infrastructure, fostering coaching excellence, and engaging communities—may very well ignite a renaissance for Pakistan’s beloved sport, turning dreams into achievements on courts worldwide.
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