RLK Group ITF Masters Tennis Championship 2026 Kicks Off in Lahore
The RLK Group ITF Masters Tennis Championship 2026 commenced with great enthusiasm at Bagh-e-Jinnah in Lahore, drawing seasoned players who demonstrated exceptional skill, endurance, and competitive drive across various age categories. This prestigious event highlighted the thriving veteran tennis scene in Pakistan, with participants engaging in fiercely contested matches that captivated spectators.
Men's Singles and Doubles 40+ Category Highlights
In the men's singles 40+ round robin stage 3, Inam Gull delivered a masterclass performance, overpowering Suleman Junaid in straight sets with a decisive 6-2, 6-2 victory. The doubles action in this category saw Suleman Junaid teaming up with Talha Waheed to achieve a flawless win in the semi-finals, defeating Sajjid Bukhari and Ahmad Waqas 6-0, 6-0 without conceding a single game. Meanwhile, Inam Gull and Zakir Ullah continued their impressive run by securing a 6-3, 6-3 win over Mustafa Nawaz and Rana Humayun in the other semi-final.
Exciting Encounters in Men's Doubles 45+ and 50+ Semifinals
The men's doubles 45+ semifinals provided thrilling moments as Qadir Nawaz and Hassan Said dominated their opponents Hassan and Ahmad Waqas with a solid 6-2, 6-0 triumph. In a closely fought match, Talha and Ashar battled hard to overcome Hadi Shehryar, clinching victory with a tight 6-3, 7-6(1) scoreline. Moving to the men's doubles 50+ category, Ashar Ali Khan and Hassan Saeed showcased their dominance by defeating Sajjid Bukhari and Arif Mehmood 6-1, 6-1. The second semifinal was a nail-biter, where Tanveer Haral and Arif Feroz staged a remarkable comeback after losing the first set, ultimately triumphing over Khurram Imtiaz and Qadir Nawaz 5-7, 6-2, 10-7 in an exhilarating decider.
Round Robin and Final Victories in Senior Categories
The men's doubles 60+ round robin matches got underway with Imran Tahir Khan and Saleem Khan registering a convincing 6-0, 6-3 victory over Israr Gull and Rashid Malik. In the men's doubles 70+ category, Khawaja Khurram and Asad Nawaz emerged as the standout pair. They first secured their place in the final by defeating Haroon Mushtaq and M. Saeed 6-2, 6-4 in the semifinal. Carrying their momentum forward, Khawaja Khurram and Asad Nawaz went on to claim the championship title in the final with a confident 6-2, 6-3 win over Tufail Cheema and Tariq Murtaza.
This tournament underscores the growing popularity and competitive spirit of veteran tennis in Pakistan, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents and inspire future generations.
