Rising Tennis Stars Shine at Millat Tractors Junior National Championship in Lahore
The Millat Tractors Junior National Tennis Championship 2026 concluded with great fanfare at the Punjab Tennis Academy in Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore, on Friday, as young talents from across the country showcased their skills in a series of thrilling matches. The event highlighted the promising future of Pakistani tennis, with standout performances in various age categories.
Boys' U-18 Singles and Doubles Finals
In the boys' U-18 singles final, Amir Mazari of Aitchison College, a student under the guidance of renowned coach Rashid Malik, delivered an impressive performance to defeat M Yahya with scores of 6-4, 6-2. Mazari's victory underscored his growing prowess on the court, earning him the coveted title. However, Yahya quickly made amends in the boys' U-18 doubles final, where he partnered with Omer Jawad to overcome the duo of Amir Mazari and Ruhab Faisal in a closely fought match, winning 7-6, 6-2. This doubles triumph added an exciting twist to the championship, demonstrating the competitive spirit among the young athletes.
Girls' U-18 and U-14 Categories
The girls' U-18 title was claimed by Bismel Zia, who is also coached by Rashid Malik and sponsored by Ali Embroidery Mills. Zia displayed a commanding performance, defeating Esha Rabbi with a decisive score of 6-2, 6-3. Her victory highlighted the increasing depth of talent in women's tennis in Pakistan. In the girls' U-14 category, Khadija Khalil captured the crown by beating Eman Shahbaz 5-3, 4-1, showcasing her skill and determination in a well-contested match.
Boys' U-14 and U-12 Events
In the boys' U-14 singles final, M Junaid Khan edged past M Muaz in a nail-biting encounter, winning 1-4, 5-4, 5-3. Junaid later teamed up with Ohad-e-Mustafa to secure the U-14 doubles title against Muaz and Ibraheem Gill in a thrilling super tie-break, adding another layer of excitement to the championship. The U-12 category saw Muhammad Ayan, coached by Rashid Malik and sponsored by Fatima Group, dominate the boys' singles final by defeating M Ibraheem Hussain Gill 4-1, 4-1. Ayan also lifted the boys' U-12 doubles trophy alongside Daniyal Abdullah, proving his versatility and talent across multiple events. Meanwhile, Eman Shahbaz claimed the girls' U-12 title, further emphasizing the competitive nature of the tournament.
Under-10 Mixed Final and Closing Ceremony
The under-10 mixed final featured Mustafa Zia defeating Hadi Ali Rizwan 6-2, showcasing the budding talent in the youngest age group. The closing ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Lt Col (R) Mukhtar Ahmed Bhatti, Deputy General Manager (Admin & Purchase) of Millat Tractors, Mr Imran Ayub, Senior Manager Administration at Millat Tractors, Mr Waqar Nisar, Finance Secretary of the Punjab Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA), and Mr Sohail Malik, who distributed trophies and prizes to the winners. Coach Rashid Malik expressed heartfelt gratitude to Millat Tractors for their ongoing sponsorship and support for junior tennis development. He also praised the Punjab Lawn Tennis Association for its dedicated efforts in promoting the sport across the province. Notably, Malik was unable to attend the finals due to his national duty with Pakistan's Davis Cup tie against Senegal, underscoring his commitment to representing the country over personal engagements.
The Millat Tractors Junior National Tennis Championship 2026 not only celebrated the achievements of these young athletes but also reinforced the importance of nurturing talent through such platforms. With continued support from sponsors and associations, the future of tennis in Pakistan looks bright, promising more such inspiring stories in the years to come.
