Who would have thought that an Indian and a Pakistani would be close friends and would achieve the things that no one in the history of their respective countries has achieved before? Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi and Rohan Bopanna achieved
yet another peace award. The pair, known as the Indo-Pak express had a fantastic run in 2010. Both the players were great for the sport but apart from this they had been involved in other initiatives as well. The Indo-Pak pair have been doing a lot of work
to promote peace between the two countries. It is a great thing because it has come from two gentlemen who belong to courtiers that have been great rivals for the past 60 years. Recently, the tensions between India and Pakistan had grown but Aisam and Bopanna
came up with the slogan of, “Stop War, Start Tennis”, to promte the sport and peace between the two countires. Recognizing their efforts, Aisam and Bopanna were awarded the 2010 Grand Prix of Peace and Sports at the fourth International Forum of Peace and
Sports.
The Indo-Pak pair was presented with the award in Monaco on Thursday. The award was presented to them by the Crown Prince Albert of Monaco and the President of the Peace and Sport Foundation, Joel Bouzou. Aisam and Bopanna have
done an exceptional job in their endeavour.
When the two gentlemen reached the final of the US Open against the Bryan brothers, not only did this help their careers but they also brought together the ambassadors of India and Pakistan to support one team. The commitment of
Aisam and Bopanna towards peace brought two rival nations together and it proved how peace can be spread through sports. It was only the conviction of Aisam and Bopanna that helped them achieve this great cause.
Presenting the award to Aisam and Bopanna, the Founder of the Peace and Sport Foundation said that it would be great for India and Pakistan to organize a match at the Wagah Border to support the cause of Aisam and Bopanna. Both
the players would love to see their respective countries also come together as they have.
After the award ceremony, Bopanna said that it was an honor for him to have received such a prestigious award from Prince Albert of Monaco. Recently both the players achieved the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian award for the wonderful
work they have done. Aisam had been honored in his country as well and he will receive the Star of Excellence award in 2011 from the President of Pakistan. He was also selected as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.
Aisam and Bopanna have had a tremendous year. Both the players received numerous awards and still continue to do so. Their performances also improved a lot with the magnificent tennis they played during the year. They reached their
best ranking during the year individually and as a team. They ended the season with a team ranking of eight but at one stage they had a batter ranking of six. All the fans of Aisam and Bopanna would hope that they continue with these performances. By doing
so they would not only be making their countrymen proud but they would also continue their mission to promote peace through sports.
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