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ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s under-12 boys’ tennis team delivered a commanding performance to defeat arch-rivals India 2-0 in the semifinals of the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) South Asia Championship on Thursday, earning a place in the final against host nation Sri Lanka.
Straight-Sets Victory in Semifinal Clash
In a high-stakes encounter, the young Pakistani players showed composure and class.
- Rashid Ali defeated B.C. Thanush Shekar 6-2, 6-3
- Muhammad Shayan Afridi crushed Khatri Nayan 6-0, 6-1
Their emphatic straight-sets wins ensured a clean sweep and a spot in the tournament’s final, set to be played on Friday.
PTF Applauds “Tremendous Achievement”
President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) and former international star Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi hailed the victory as a significant moment in Pakistan’s junior tennis journey.
“Beating our arch-rival India in the semifinal is a tremendous achievement,” Aisam said. “Hopefully, tomorrow we will defeat Sri Lanka and lift the championship.”
He noted the contrast with last week’s under-16 Davis Cup loss to India in Kazakhstan, saying the U-12 team demonstrated “sheer dominance.”
Unbeaten Run in Group Stage
The Pakistani team has been unstoppable throughout the tournament, cruising through the group stage with 3-0 wins over Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal — showcasing their depth and consistency.
Robbers Snatch Rs. 230,000 from Mother of Pakistan’s Hasan Ali in Gujranwala
PTF Secretary General Col Zia-ud-Din Tufail praised the team’s flawless run.
“Their performance has been simply amazing. These boys have made the whole nation proud,” he stated.
Title Showdown with Hosts Sri Lanka
With momentum and confidence high, Pakistan will now face Sri Lanka in the final on Friday. A win would cap off a perfect tournament and mark a major milestone for junior tennis in Pakistan.
Stay tuned for the championship result.
