ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is all set to add a new chapter to its tennis history as for the first time international female players will compete in the Billie Jean King (BJK) Cup Asia/Oceania Group III (B) event starting here at the PTF Tennis Complex on Wednesday.

The contingents and representatives of the participating nations — Bahrain, Bhutan, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Maldives, Pakistan and Qatar — attended the opening ceremony of the four-day event at a local hotel in the capital.

The Pakistan Tennis Federation in a statement on Tuesday said that it looked forward to hosting a competitive BJK Cup event featuring talented players.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the BJK Cup team captains, official draw and the trophy unveiling were held.

The ceremony was attended, among others, by PTF president Aisam-ul-Haq, president of the Kuwait Tennis Federation Abdul Redha J. Al-Ghareeb and PTF secretary general retired Col. Zia-ud-Din Tufail.

Addressing the gathering, Aisam warmly welcomed the participating teams and officials.

While thanking the International Tennis Federation for allotting the BJK Cup event to Pakistan, Aisam emphasised that hosting an international women’s team competition like the BJK Cup indicated the country’s growing capacity to stage major international events and its commitment to promote women’s tennis.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2026