Aisam Quereshi, a rarity from Pakistan

By S. Dinakar

CHENNAI, JAN. 4. He grew up watching cricket duels between India and Pakistan. ``Couldn't miss those games, there was so much passion in them.''

Now, he is saddened by the fact the traditional rivals do not come face to face due to reasons other than cricket. ``It is not a good thing. I don't think politics should come in the way of sports,'' he told The Hindu here on Thursday.

Aisam Quereshi doesn't have to play cricket though. Well, finding a Pakistani on the demanding world of the ATP Tour is as hard as spotting a swimming pool in the middle of a desert, and the 20- year-old handsome lad from Lahore is a tennis professional battling in the circuit. A rarity.

And he talks fondly about the love and affection he receives whenever he competes in India. ``The people are friendly, nice. They want to talk to you, share their views with you. And the Indian tennis players are my good pals. No problems at all.''

The Pakistani adds, ``Actually, there is not much difference between us. We have so much in common, same culture, same food, similar languages. The people in general have affection for each other. That is why I feel that if both countries work together, we can make a lot more progress.''

Well, after playing `tennis ball' cricket on the galis with his friends, and then turning his attention to swimming for a while and doing well too, Aisam, after much coaxing by his mother, took to tennis, rather late, at 13. He doesn't regret the decision.

``I didn't like tennis in the beginning, but started enjoying it after a while. Apart from giving me a career, it has provided me with an opportunity to travel the world. At 20, I have been to places, I couldn't have dreamt of travelling otherwise.''

He's done well too, ranked 280 in the singles list and 120 in the doubles, creditable considering Pakistan doesn't really have a history in the game, at least at the international level.

However, there is more than a bit of tennis in his blood. Grandfather Khuwaja Iftekar Ahmed was a prominent player in the pre-partition days and mother Nosheen Ehtesham clinched the National title as recently as 2000. Now, Aisam is fulfilling some of their dreams, at a very different stage.

Actually, the Pakistani wanted to do higher studies in the U.S., but father Ehtesham Qureshi wanted his son to pursue tennis. ``He thought I should give it a shot. I never imagined I would end up in this game.'' Being naturally athletic, it did not take long for Aisam to make a mark on the junior circuit, and in 1998, the Pakistani, excelling in several ITF events, was the World No. 8 and Asia No. 1. The first man from his country to climb so high.

Aisam is aware of the fact that his parents have had to make a lot of sacrifices. ``I know my parents are spending money on my tennis. They just tell me to go out there, do well and not be bothered about anything. Sometimes, when I lose early, I do feel the pressure, but have to carry on.''

Is there enough recognition for his deeds in his country, which like India, is obsessed with cricket? ``Now it is better. At least, everybody in Lahore recognises me. The media too has highlighted my performances.'' The fact that PIA is sponsoring him these days also makes his job slightly easier.

Like in the case of so many other budding stars, the stylish Swede Stefan Edberg is his inspiration. ``Edberg was my idol. I like to serve and volley too.''

And he practiced with the genial Swede for a week in London's Queens Club last year, one of the highlights in Quereshi's career. ``It was an unforgettable moment. Before the first day, I rang up my parents and even they couldn't believe it. I was keyed up, wanted to give it hundred per cent. He is such a nice person. Gave me some useful tips.''

The other big moment came when he ambushed India's Leander Paes during a Challenger event in Calcutta. ``I had lost to him before and it was the best win of my career.'' His English coach Sean Cole has obviously been a key influence on Aisam. Yes, tennis is his top priority these days, yet his eyes still light up when he dwells on cricket. Ask him about the game's stars in Pakistan and he would tell you about his admiration for Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Saqlain Mushtaq. ``But I feel Wasim Akram is losing it now.''

He is fond of Indian movies too, though he does not always find time to see them. ``I like Aamir Khan and Madhuri Dixit. Kajol is a good actress.''

The Gold Flake Open is his third ATP Tour event, and he has good words for Chennai. ``I find Chennai much better than Mumbai and Delhi. Less polluted, more cleaner.''

Aisam concedes he was a naughty boy in his younger days. ``Jack of all trades, master of none,'' he says with a shy smile. Now that he has chosen to specialise in one sport, Aisam has a fine chance of creating tennis history for Pakistan. If he has not already done so.

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