KARACHI: Before starting his campaign at Wimbledon this month, Pakistan tennis ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi is preparing to receive the biggest accolade of his off-court career.
He will be addressing the British and UK-based Pakistani dignitaries at the House of Commons in Westminster for two hours on June 10.
His agenda will be to promote peace through tennis for his ‘Stop War, Start Tennis’ foundation, in which he will be emphasising on bridging cultural gap through sports in the international community.
The country’s only tennis athlete to play at the ATP circuit was invited by Speaker John Bercow, who praised Aisam for his role as an ambassador for youth and sportspeople all over the world.
“This is the biggest off-court accolade for me,” Aisam told The Express Tribune. “It’s an honour as a Pakistani to speak for my foundation at the House of Commons and get a chance to talk about our work.
“The speaker of the house proposed that I should address the dignitaries, and I’m extremely grateful for that. My focus will be to promote Pakistan’s soft image.”
The Lahore-based player admitted that he was anxious to put his best foot forward at the important occasion.
“My friends and family will be there and I’m a little nervous. I want to make sure that my speech makes an impact.”
Aisam has been involved with the United Nations, Pakistan Red Crescent Society and has also received the 2002 and 2010 Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Awards by the ATP Tour Inc.
Aisam also engages in the distribution of sport-specific equipment among amputees and disabled tennis players, and plans to donate wheelchairs to Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan and Cambodia.
Seeking redemption at Wimbledon
Aisam said that his second-round exit at the French Open men’s doubles was unexpected for him, but he wants to make up for the loss in Wimbledon.
“I was also unable to play the mixed doubles because of a knee-injury, but now it’s healing.
“I want to make up for the French Open defeat as well. Wimbledon is also special because grass is my favourite surface.
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