Well Played Qureshi (Aisam ul Haq) and Partners!!

Aisam ul Haq Qureshi of Pakistan, commonly known in the world of tennis as Qureshi, has been making headlines recently in the world of sports and specially the game of tennis. This year, he and his partners had the distinction of reaching the Grand Slam events of mixed and men’s double finals of the US Open 2010.

Qureshi and his partner, Kveta Peschke of Czech Republic, lost the mixed double final to Bryan and his partner Liesel Huber earlier yesterday.

But the real test Qureshi and his Indian partner Rohan Bopanna, came when the clashed the Bryan Brothers in the finals of the Men’s Double event. Although the 16th seeded Pakistan-India duo was no match to the number seeded Brayan Brothers, who had already bagged the men’s double title eight times previously, but those who saw the match today would say that the match seemed as it was between first seeded vs first seeded.

At no time Qureshi and Bopanna showed any lack of maturity, team spirit and world class tennis. In fact they glued the Bryan Brothers to the court and lost 7-6, 7-6 and that too on tie-breaker in each set. The superb serves of Qureshi and Bopanna coupled with their excellent volley shots made the Bryan Brothers sweat. Even after winning the match, the Bryans confessed that they had never faced such a tough challenge before.

I have been playing tennis myself and know what a classic game looks like. And today’s match was no less than a superb display of tennis skills and team spirit by Qureshi and Bopanna.

Although the Pakistan-India duo lost, but for me it was a great honour. And for Pakistan as well as this was the first time that a Pakistani tennis player has reached the Grand Slam. I was proud to see the Pakistani flag fluttering during the prize distribution ceremony and see a Pakistani player being honoured.

Let me also compliment the Bryans for announcing to donate for the flood victims of Pakistan. This is a very pleasant gesture and shows how sportsmen can also contribute to alleviate the sufferings of people in distress.

It also goes without saying that the duo have sent a ray of hope to their governments both in Islamabad and New Dehli. If we can coexist in the game of sports, why not in all other fields. We need to shun our differences, specially on Kashmir, and resolve the issue amicably for the future of the people of Pakistan and India. It is a very small beginning, but can be developed in to a far bigger cooperation. A start has been made and it can be cashed if both governments act wisely.