(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan to Host Two ITF Women’s Tennis Tournaments in Islamabad in 2026
Pakistan is set to host two International Tennis Federation (ITF) Women’s W15 tournaments in Islamabad from October 5, 2026, marking a significant development for women’s tennis in the country.
According to the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), both tournaments will be held consecutively and will feature prize money of $15,000 each. This will be the first time Pakistan hosts two back-to-back ITF Women’s Futures events, providing local players with valuable opportunities to compete at the international level on home soil.
PTF President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi said the federation has been actively creating competitive opportunities for male players through ITF Men’s Futures tournaments and is now expanding similar support for female athletes. He noted that the events will help Pakistani players earn international ranking points and gain exposure without the financial and logistical challenges of overseas travel.
The tournaments are also expected to play an important role in preparing Pakistan’s women’s team for upcoming international competitions, including the Billie Jean King Cup.
Several leading Pakistani players are likely to participate, including Ushna Suhail, Mahin Aftab, Soha Ali, Romaisa Malik, Bismal Zia, Meheq Khokhar, Zunaisha Noor, Zainab Ali Raja, Fatima Ali Raja, and Laibah Durab, alongside other emerging talents.
The initiative is being supported by the Pakistan Women’s Tennis Association, established in 2024 to promote and develop women’s tennis across the country.
Pakistan Women’s Tennis Association President Asma Khawar Khawaja said the tournaments will help strengthen Pakistan’s presence in international tennis while contributing to the growth of future generations of female players.
PTF Secretary General Col. Zia-ud-Din Tufail described the hosting of two consecutive international events as a major milestone that will provide local athletes with valuable experience against international competition on home courts.
