LAHORE, Oct 30 (APP): Pakistan’s Abubakar Talha and Russia’s Varvara Rubtsova claimed the boys’ and girls’ U-18 singles and doubles titles respectively as the ITF J-30 Lahore Ali Embroidery Mills International Junior Tennis Championship 2026 concluded at Aitchison College here on Friday.
The tournament marked the return of international junior tennis to the city after a gap of 25 years. The international participation provided Pakistani players with an opportunity to compete against foreign opponents, gain valuable match experience and earn ranking points.
In an all-Pakistan boys’ singles final, Abubakar overcame compatriot Hassan Usmani 7-6(7-5), 6-0, recovering from a closely contested opening set to dominate the second and secure the title. Hassan, meanwhile, reached his first international junior final, underlining the progress of Pakistan’s emerging tennis talent. Abubakar added the boys’ doubles trophy to his collection, partnering Hamza Roman to defeat Ahtesham Humayun and Amir Mazari 6-3, 6-2.
Russia’s Rubtsova secured the girls’ singles crown with a convincing 6-2, 6-2 victory over fellow Russian Stefaniila Vasilevskaia, completing an impressive campaign in Lahore. In the girls’ doubles final, Rubtsova completed the brace of titles as she, partnering with Evelina Dzepa, defeated Daixi Hu and Bismel Zia 6-0, 6-0.
Ali Embroidery Mills Chief Executive Officer Tariq Zaman attended the concluding ceremony as chief guest. Among the distinguished guests were Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, former Punjab sports secretary Fazal-ur-Rehman, Col (R) Asif Dar, Aitchison College Director of Sports Sajjad Rasool, Haider Ismail from USA, Naseem Ahmed, and Said Hassan, along with players, officials and members of the tennis fraternity.
Organised by the Punjab Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA) with the support of Ali Embroidery Mills, the ITF J-30 event attracted more than 42 players from China, Kazakhstan, Australia, Russia, Bangladesh and other countries.
PLTA Senior Executive Vice-President Rashid Malik, recipient of the Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, thanked the sponsors, institutions and officials whose support contributed to the successful staging of the championship. He particularly acknowledged Tariq Zaman for sponsoring the event and supporting the development of junior tennis in Pakistan.
Malik also appreciated Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi for his leadership and support in bringing international junior tennis back to Lahore. He said the hosting of successive international tournaments, including ITF junior, Futures and women’s events, was an encouraging development for Pakistan tennis and would help local players improve their standards and international rankings.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
