“Lessons Learnt from the Tennis Tour”, a book written by national hero and Old Ravian Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi was officially launched at the Government College University Lahore under the auspices of the Old Ravians Union (ORU). Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman chaired over the book launch attended by the family of Aisam-ul-Haq including her wife Faha Makhdum; who happens to be the granddaughter of GCU’s former principal Dr M Ajmal. ORU Secretary Dr Khalid Manzoor Butt, Aisam’s teacher Prof. Dr Amin-ul Haq and large number GCU sportsmen also attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Aisam hoped that the Pakistani youth would learn from his experiences. “I want to interact with every single youngster of my country but it is not possible for me, so I have written a book which would work as a medium of interaction with the youth,” the tennis star said. Aisam said that he owed his success to his alma mater and teachers who, during his college life, had always encouraged him to play professional tournaments at the national and international level. “I think that was the support which elevated my confidence and backed me in the pursuance of my goals,” he added. Recalling his college days, Aisam proudly said that he is a recipient of Roll of Honour and a Gold Medal in Tennis from GC University Lahore. “While playing for GCU, I also won the Inter-Collegiate Tennis Championship in the year 1997-1998,” he added.
He said that GCU inculcated great values of tolerance, respect for others views and faiths, and compassion along with imagination, and added that he was proud to be “Ravain” and a “Pakistani”. He thanked the GCU Vice Chancellor, Old Ravians Union and the Sports Board for giving such a warm reception in his honour. He also proudly said that his father was also an Old Ravian.
GCU VC Prof Khaleeq-ur-Rahman said Aisam was also acknowledged as an Ambassador of Peace of Pakistan — something that he wished every Ravain to be. “He is a true Ravian,” he said and added that GCU would continue to produce sportsmen like Aisam.
ORU Secretary Dr Khalid Butt said that the respect and honor which Aisam has earned for Pakistan is impossible to attain through years of diplomacy. He said that Aisam is a true Pakistani who gave the message of peace from Pakistan all over the world. Prof Dr Amin-ul-Haq, who had admitted Aisam to Government College Lahore, said that Aisam had been as good in academics as he had been in sports and always secured A+ in all his examinations.
From pulverising ground strokes to strokes of pen
