ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s star Davis Cup player Samir iftikhar has made Pakistan proud by winning the elite Mountain West ‘Scholar-Athlete of the Year’ Award 2015 in USA. Keeping in view his outstanding achievements in tennis and academics, the Inter-Collegiate Tennis Association (ITA) awarded Samir the award which was established in 1999. It is the highest honour bestowed by the ITA upon one male and one female scholar athlete annually, who achieves excellence in academics, athletics and community over the course of their academic career. Samir is the third male player in 16 years at the University of New Mexico and first ever from Pakistan who has earned this feat. Samir graduated with an MBA degree in May 2015 from the University of New Mexico with highest grades. Samir’s former head coach Bart Scot at University of New Mexico has paid tributes to the youngster from Pakistan. “We are all so proud of Sam for his hard work on and off the court. This is a perfect end to a great career,” said Scott. Samir finished his collegiate career with an 81-45 singles record, tying for eighth on the University of New Mexico career singles wins list, and his highest rank among NCAA Division I singles players was No. 33. He played a key role in Pakistan’s win against Indonesia in Davis Cup semifinal last month.