Team Pakistan showcased grit, determination, and the promise of a bright future for the sport in their debut at the Asia Pacific Padel Cup (APPC) Kuala Lumpur 2025.
Out of 24 fiercely contested matches, Pakistan secured 4 impressive wins.
The tournament was featuring eight teams including hosts Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, SOuth Korea, Hong Kong, India, and Pakistan.
The four-day event treated the fans with men’s women’s and mixed matches. Pakistan finished sixth.
Philippines won the tournament defeating Hong Kong in the final 3-0, while Malaysia edged past India 3-2 to finshed third in the event.
Pakistan were out of the main draw when they lost to India 3-0 in the quarterfinals despite putting a great fight against their arch rival.
They played consolation final later but lost to Thailand 2-1 after registering a win against Singapore in the consolation semifinal in which the pair of Talal Shah and Nafees Yaqoob, and Suleiman Mahmood and Natalia Zaman played.
The Pakistani team was a mix of experience and youth.
The Pakistani was led by captain Azhar Katchi and vice captain Mehek Taherani. The roster was a mix of experienced and emerging male and female players.
Other notable players included Rayyan Younus, Talal Shahi, Munib Bilwani, Sulaiman Mahmood, Nafees Yaqoob, Natalia Zaman, and Asma Hamid.
“This tournament was a statement. Pakistan has the talent, heart, and determination to compete with the best,” said a representative of the Pakistan Padel Collective, organisers of Team Pakistan’s APPC 2025 campaign.
“The blend of veteran leadership and young talent signals a strong future for padel in Pakistan.”
The APPC Kuala Lumpur Cup 2025 brought together top players and teams from across the region, giving Pakistan a platform to showcase its growing competitiveness and passion for the sport.
As padel continues to gain momentum, Pakistan’s performance in Kuala Lumpur reflects the start of an exciting new chapter for the sport in the country.
