Pakistan’s young tennis sensation, Shayan Afridi, has made the nation proud by winning the ITF Asia 14 & Under Development Championship 2025 Week-1 Regional Qualifying Event. This prestigious tournament took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and showcased Shayan’s incredible talent and determination on the international stage.
Shayan delivered an outstanding performance in the final, where he faced a tough challenge against Singapore’s second-seeded player, Pak Nicholas Ming En. In a match filled with thrilling moments, Shayan triumphed with a 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-4 scoreline. The match tested his skills and resilience, but he showed unwavering focus to secure his first international title.
His journey to the championship title highlighted his impressive mental strength and technical mastery. After dominating the first set 6-3, Shayan encountered fierce resistance in the second set, which went into a tiebreak that Pak won. However, Shayan remained determined and stormed through the final set, finishing in style. This victory not only marks a milestone in his career but also positions him as one of Pakistan’s brightest tennis stars.
The achievement was widely celebrated across Pakistan’s sports community. Muhammad Yasir Pirzada, the Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), praised Shayan’s hard work and dedication, stating that his victory reflects a bright future for sports in Pakistan. He emphasized the PSB’s commitment to providing resources and opportunities for young athletes to excel on the international stage.
Similarly, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, the President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), described Shayan’s win as a remarkable accomplishment for the country. He expressed hope that Shayan’s success would inspire more young players to take up tennis and aim for global recognition. He also appreciated the PSB’s support for the Pakistan 14 & Under team’s participation in the tournament.
While Shayan claimed the spotlight, other Pakistani players also delivered commendable performances. In the boys’ category, Rashid Ali secured a respectable 12th-place finish among 32 participants. On the girls’ side, Bismal Zia and Hajra Sohail showed their promise, finishing 6th and 7th, respectively. These results highlight the growing presence of Pakistan in junior tennis competitions across the region.
Shayan Afridi’s historic win not only brings pride to Pakistan but also serves as an inspiration for future athletes. With young players like Shayan leading the way, the future of tennis in Pakistan looks brighter than ever.
