Pakistan’s rising star Muhammad Shoaib etched his name in history by winning the singles title at the Flair Travel ITF Men’s Futures M-15 Championships 2026 conducted in Memory of Late Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad, at the PTF Tennis Complex here Sunday.
In a thrilling final, Shoaib defeated Russia’s Nikita Ianin with a score of 7-6(7), 4-6, 6-2 in front of a packed and energetic home crowd.
This remarkable victory marks the end of a 20-year wait, as Shoaib becomes the first Pakistani player since Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan to win an ITF Futures singles title.
The triumph is a proud moment for Pakistan tennis and highlights the growing strength of local talent on the international stage.
A total of 70 men’s players from 23 countries are participated in this prestigious international event. The participating nations include Pakistan, Kuwait, Russia, Uzbekistan, Sweden, Austria, Malaysia, Great Britain, Italy, Lithuania, China, Turkey, Algeria, Canada, USA, Ireland, Poland, Hong Kong, Nepal, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Japan.
Speaking after the match, Shoaib said, I thank Almighty Allah for this achievement and for giving me the opportunity to make Pakistan proud on home soil. It was an amazing final, and Insha’Allah I will continue this momentum.
He also expressed gratitude to the President PTF and Secretary General PTF for their continuous support.
Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation, along with Zia-ud-din Tufail, Secretary General PTF, and the entire PTF management, congratulated Shoaib on his outstanding achievement.
Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi stated, I am very proud that after a long gap since myself and Aqeel Khan, Shoaib has made the nation proud in front of a home crowd. The federation has been working hard on player development, and these results are proof of that progress. Hosting international tournaments in Pakistan is providing valuable opportunities for our local players to earn ATP points, and now we are seeing the impact.
He further added, this tournament is very special to me as it is conducted in memory of my late grandfather, Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad. I am especially happy that both singles and doubles titles were won by Pakistani players, making it even more meaningful for me and my family.
Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Zia-ud-din Tufail extended their sincere thanks to all sponsors, and especial thanks to all the media partners, PTV Sports, Myco and Geo Super, and the Islamabad Police for their valuable support in making the event a great success. It is also informed that the McDonald’s Pakistan ITF Championship 2026 commenced today with the qualifying rounds. The main draw matches will begin from 5th May 2026 here at the same venue.