Pakistan’s tennis prodigy, Shayan Afridi, has emerged victorious in the ITF Asia 14 & Under Development Championship 2025 Week-1 Regional Qualifying Event for South East & East Asia, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
In a thrilling final that showcased his resilience and skill, Afridi battled through the heat to defeat Singapore’s Pak Nicholas Ming En, the second seed, with a 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-4 scoreline.
Afridi’s journey to the title was a testament to his mental toughness and technical prowess. After dominating the first set 6-3, he faced a tough challenge in the second, where Pak fought back to take it in a tiebreak. But Afridi, with unwavering focus, stormed to victory in the decider, sealing his maiden international title in dramatic fashion. His performance not only underscores his growing potential on the global stage but also cements his status as a rising star in Pakistan’s tennis scene.
Support from the National Sports Community
The young champion’s achievement was met with praise from key figures in Pakistan’s sports community. Muhammad Yasir Pirzada, Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), congratulated Afridi on his victory, stating, “Shayan’s victory is a testament to the bright future of sports in Pakistan. The PSB remains committed to supporting our athletes and ensuring they have the platform to shine internationally.”
Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), also lauded Afridi’s triumph, calling it a significant milestone for Pakistan in the sport of tennis. “Shayan’s victory will inspire future generations of tennis players in Pakistan,” Qureshi remarked. “This is a monumental achievement, and we are proud of his success. We also thank the PSB for facilitating the Pakistan 14 & Under team’s tour to Sri Lanka.”
While Afridi stole the spotlight, Pakistan’s young tennis contingent delivered impressive performances across the board. In the boys’ category, Rashid Ali earned a respectable 12th place finish out of 32 participants. On the girls’ side, Bismal Zia and Hajra Sohail showcased their potential, finishing 6th and 7th, respectively, further solidifying Pakistan’s rising presence in junior tennis across the region.
