LAHORE: 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.
The event marked the return of international junior tennis to Lahore after a gap of 25 years.
In an all-Pakistan boys’ singles final, Abubakar overcame compatriot Hassan Usmani 7-6(7-5), 6-0. After a closely contested opening set, Abubakar dominated the second to secure the title.
Hassan, meanwhile, reached his first international junior final, highlighting the progress of Pakistan’s emerging tennis talent.
Abubakar also won the boys’ doubles title, partnering Hamza Roman to defeat Ahtesham Humayun and Amir Mazari 6-3, 6-2.
In the girls’ singles final, Russia’s Rubtsova recorded a convincing 6-2, 6-2 victory over fellow Russian Stefaniila Vasilevskaia to complete an impressive campaign in Lahore.
Rubtsova then completed a double by winning the girls’ doubles crown with Evelina Dzepa. The pair defeated Daixi Hu and Bismel Zia 6-0, 6-0 in the final.
Ali Embroidery Mills Chief Executive Officer Tariq Zaman attended the concluding ceremony as chief guest.
Pakistan Tennis Federation 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 the USA, Naseem Ahmed and Said Hassan were among the distinguished guests. Players, officials and members of the tennis fraternity were also present.
The championship was organised by the Punjab Lawn Tennis Association 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.
The international participation gave Pakistani players an opportunity to compete against foreign opponents, gain valuable match experience and earn ranking points.
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 helped in 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.
He also thanked PLTA President Capt (R) Fazeel Asghar and the association’s management, as well as the Punjab government and Sports Board Punjab, for their support in promoting tennis.
Special appreciation was extended to Aitchison College and its Principal, Dr S. M. Turab Hussain, for providing excellent facilities, hospitality and cooperation.
