ISLAMABAD, October 17, 2026: US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker has praised Pakistan for hosting its first international women’s tennis tournament at the W15 level, describing the championship as a milestone for women’s sports and an opportunity to strengthen international relations through sports diplomacy.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Junaid Family Foundation (JFF) Women’s World Tennis W15 Futures Tournament in Islamabad on Saturday, Baker congratulated the organisers for bringing together 30 female players from 17 countries and territories.
“I was especially pleased to learn that this is the first women’s tournament at this level ever held in Pakistan. That makes it a real milestone, and everyone who helped make this happen should be very proud,” Baker told players, officials and guests.
Sports Diplomacy and International Cooperation
Baker said sports promote teamwork, resilience and stronger relationships between nations, adding that connections formed through athletic competition often extend beyond the court.
“Sports diplomacy remained an important part of America’s international engagement,” she said, expressing hope that more Pakistani athletes would compete in major international sporting events.
With the United States preparing to host the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, Baker said she looked forward to seeing more Pakistani athletes compete on the international stage.
She also praised the participating players for demonstrating competitive tennis and sportsmanship while experiencing Pakistani hospitality throughout the tournament.
Baker thanked Pakistan Tennis Federation President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, Ansir and Sufia Junaid, and the Pakistan Tennis Federation for organising the championship.
She also recognised Qureshi’s achievement at the 2010 US Open, where he reached the finals in both men’s and mixed doubles. He became the first Pakistani tennis player to compete in a Grand Slam final. Baker praised his continued efforts to create opportunities for the next generation of Pakistani players.
Junaid Family Foundation Promotes Women’s Empowerment
The US diplomat also thanked American-Pakistani couple Ansir and Sufia Junaid for their work to strengthen Pakistan-US relations through sports and health initiatives.
The Junaid Family Foundation supported the tournament as part of its broader commitment to women’s empowerment, maternal health, education and opportunities for young women across Pakistan.
Ansir said the championship demonstrated how international sporting events could inspire young women while bringing together policymakers, philanthropists and development partners.
“What we saw this week was about much more than tennis,” he said.
“We saw talented athletes competing at a high level, young people seeing what is possible, and leaders understanding what more we can accomplish. Pakistan means a great deal to me personally. To be able to bring people together here, invest in ideas that can make a difference and see that work gaining momentum is enormously meaningful.”
Sufia said the foundation viewed investment in women’s healthcare, education and sports as interconnected efforts to create lasting social change.
“For us, these efforts are all connected,” she said.
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“A healthy pregnancy can give a child a stronger beginning. Education can open doors. And seeing athletes compete on an international stage can inspire a young girl to imagine a future she may never have considered. We want to invest in those moments that can change a life.”
French Player Wins Singles Title
French player Astrid Cirotte won the women’s singles title, while China’s Ru Xi Wu and Thailand’s Kamonwan Yodpetch claimed the women’s doubles championship.
Baker joined Ansir and Sufia Junaid in presenting awards to the winners during the closing ceremony.
The tournament brought together international athletes and organisers in Islamabad, highlighting opportunities for female players to compete at an international level. It also underscored the potential of sports to encourage young women to pursue athletics and strengthen connections between Pakistan and the wider international community.
