ISLAMABAD: Pakistan tennis ace Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi said Friday he was motivated by the rise of his former doubles partner Rohan Bopanna, ahead of a historic Davis Cup clash against arch-rivals India.
India’s Bopanna rose to number one on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) rankings after winning the Australian Open last month, becoming the oldest player ever to snag the top spot at the age of 43.
Qureshi and Bopanna, dubbed the Indo-Pak Express, paired over a decade ago to break into the top 10 and reach the 2010 US Open final.
“Becoming world number one and winning the Australian Open is a massive achievement and in a way it motivates me as well and inspires a lot of people,” 43-year-old Qureshi told reporters ahead of a first Davis Cup tie against India on home soil since 1964.
“I feel very proud of him, obviously I started my doubles career with him and we made a breakthrough together,” he said, adding their “friendship will remain forever.”
Bopanna is not part of the visiting Indian camp, having retired from the Davis Cup last year.
The last tie between the two countries, which have fought three wars since they were forged out of violent partition 76 years ago, took place in neutral Kazakhstan in 2014 with India winning 4-0.
“The Indian team just reaching Pakistan is already a win for me,” Qureshi said.
“I’m happy and proud to be a part of it – that tennis might play a role in mending the ties with India.”
India are the strong favorites on paper, but both camps said they expected a competitive clash.
Indian captain Zeeshan Ali – whose father was part of the 1964 team – described coming to Pakistan as “emotional.”
“The last time India played against Pakistan 60 years ago my father was on the team and he played three of the matches which he won,” Ali said.
“For me to be back here in Pakistan as captain of the Indian team is an emotional moment.”
Ali added that he hoped the tie would prove positive for tennis.
“If we can help in any way to spread good friendship and the game of tennis then we would have achieved our goal.”
Political differences over Kashmir mean sporting teams from each side rarely visit the other unless taking part in sanctioned multi-national events.
Indian player Yuki Bhambri told AFP the pressure of playing against Pakistan disappears once you step on the court.
“There’s already a lot of pressure when playing for your country ... I don’t think there is any scope for adding more.”
Asked if Bopanna had considered coming out of retirement to play against Qureshi, Bhambri said: “I think if he had known before (retiring) that there was a possibility I’m sure he would have liked the chance to come here and play.”
Two singles fixtures are scheduled for Saturday with one doubles and two singles matches on Sunday in the Group 1 playoff on the grass courts of the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad.
Rohan Bopanna’s rise ‘motivates’ Aisam-ul-Haq ahead of Pakistan-India Davis Cup tie
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Rohan Bopanna’s rise ‘motivates’ Aisam-ul-Haq ahead of Pakistan-India Davis Cup tie
- The two players paired over a decade ago to break into the top 10 and reach the 2010 US Open final
- Two Davis Cup singles are scheduled for Saturday with one doubles and two singles matches on Sunday
Pakistan seeks to boost coffee, tea imports from Rwanda as café culture grows
- Commerce minister attends Rwanda Coffee Festival being held in Islamabad from Jan. 29-30
- Coffee culture in Pakistan is on the rise among young residents of major urban centers
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan has expressed interest in increasing coffee and tea imports from Rwanda, according to an official statement on Thursday, as the country’s coffee culture continues to grow with boutique cafes and specialty roasters.
The Rwanda High Commission has organized a two-day Rwanda Coffee Festival in Islamabad starting today, which was also attended by the minister.
Pakistan has primarily been a tea-drinking nation that has witnessed an ascendance of coffee culture, especially among young people in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, where the expansion of international coffee chains, boutique cafes and specialty roasters has transformed it from a niche beverage into a lifestyle choice.
“Pakistan is interested in increasing imports of coffee and tea from Rwanda,” Khan said while addressing the coffee festival, according to the commerce ministry.
“The Rwanda Coffee Festival is a symbol of strengthening Pakistan-Africa trade ties,” he added. “The Rwanda Coffee Festival will give a new dimension to cultural and trade partnership.”
The ministry said in the statement Khan called for the establishment of a direct import-export supply line between Pakistan and Rwanda, adding that the country was also keen to sign a memorandum of understanding in the near future.
Rwanda’s Trade Minister Prudence Sebahizi announced on the occasion that his country served as a gateway to Africa’s $1.4 billion consumer market, adding it was open to investment from the Pakistani business community.
The ministry said he highlighted that barrier-free exports to African markets were possible after production in Rwanda.
It added Pakistan already exports high-quality rice, textiles and pharmaceutical products to Rwanda, while noting that more than 200 Rwandan traders have visited the country over the past two years.
Pakistan imported coffee, tea, mate and spices worth $846 million in 2023‑24, according to combined data from the State Bank of Pakistan. According to the World Bank’s international trade database, Pakistan imported roasted coffee from around the world valued at $940,000 in 2023.
Rising social media trends and the popularity of specialty brews, cold coffees and artisanal blends are driving demand, while local entrepreneurs experiment with unique flavors and homegrown beans.
