Aisam ul Haq: Back Home
Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi arrived at Lahore on the 15th of September from New York, landing at the Allama Iqbal Airport at approximately 7:30 pm, after the most rousing success that has ever been accorded to any Pakistani player in an international
tennis tournament. He was returning from the 2010 US Open tournament - an event which has made him the most loved sportsman of the country.
The 30-year-old player is currently Pakistan’s top tennis player, and he is also Asia’s former number three. He is the only Pakistani player to reach the finals of any Grand Slam tournament in any event; with able support from Indian partner Rohan Bopanna
and Czech player Kveta Peschke. Qureshi powered his way to the finals of both the doubles and mixed doubles against the world’s number one teams. Although a victory in the finals eluded him, he made the stadium his own by a rousing speech made at the closing
ceremony, calling for tolerance, peace and acceptance. American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan may have won the trophy, but Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi won the hearts of every spectator present at the Arthur Ashe Stadium for the men’s doubles final.
Despite his success, the tennis star was not expecting much of a welcome back home. However, his expectations were blown out of the water entirely. He was met by a crowd so huge that strict security measures had to be taken by airport officials in and out
of the airport lounge. The minute he was seen in the arrivals area, thousands of tennis fans gathered outside the area chanting ‘Long Live Pakistan’ and called out slogans to welcome Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi back after his magnificent accomplishment. Qureshi,
in a brief talk with media men outside the airport, said, “I am indebted to the nation for such a warm welcome despite my defeat in the finals of the US Open. I had never expected such a warm welcome.”
The Grand Slam hero was also awarded a gold medal and a cash prize of half a million rupees by the Governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif stated, “Aisam is a national hero and the entire nation is proud of him.” He has also
proposed charity events and exhibition matches with Qureshi as an attempt to raise money for flood victims. Qureshi has been honoured by various officials as well as sportsmen; Shahid Afridi, cricketer, said: “His performances are an inspiration for all of
us and he has brought so much joy to the people. I think our players must also take inspiration from him that nothing is impossible in sports.”
Aisam-ul-Haq himself emotionally declared, “All my life I have tried to do something to make my country and my parents proud of me. It has been a long tough journey, I want to thank my relatives, friends and family for being with me through my up and downs.
You should never give up on your dreams.”
The tennis sensation is now scheduled to lead Pakistan into the Davis Cup, tennis’s premier international tournament. He will be representing Pakistan in the Men’s singles as well as doubles events.
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