KARACHI: 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, securing their place in the tournament final.
In a show of skill and composure, Rashid Ali opened the account for Pakistan with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over B.C. Thanush Shekar, while Muhammad Shayan Afridi crushed Khatri Nayan 6-0, 6-1 to seal the tie in straight sets.
The win sets up a highly anticipated final against hosts Sri Lanka on Friday.
Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi lauded the young team’s performance, calling it a proud moment for the country. “Beating our arch-rival India in the semifinal is a tremendous achievement,” said Qureshi. “Now we hope to maintain this momentum and lift the championship trophy tomorrow.”
Qureshi also highlighted the contrast between this dominant performance and the under-16 team’s recent narrow loss to India in the Junior Davis Cup qualifiers held in Kazakhstan, saying the U12 team had shown “total control and confidence.”
PTF Secretary General Col Zia-ud-Din Tufail echoed the praise, calling the team’s progress through the tournament “simply amazing.” He added, “The boys have played brilliantly throughout, maintaining focus and composure in every match.”
Pakistan advanced to the semifinals after a perfect run in the group stage, where they recorded 3-0 victories over the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal. With their winning streak intact and confidence running high, the young Pakistani side now looks to cap off their remarkable campaign with a title win against Sri Lanka.
