Pakistan produced its finest-ever performance at the ITF Masters World Team Championships, securing the silver medal in the 45+ age category after a closely contested 2-1 defeat against top seeds and tournament favourites Spain in the championship final.

The deciding match came in the second singles, where Pakistan’s Aqeel Khan went down 6-4, 6-2 to Spain’s Francisco Javier Martinez Baena in a battle between two of the tournament’s standout players.

Aqeel had enjoyed an exceptional campaign, recording a series of impressive victories in singles and doubles alongside former Davis Cupper Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi. However, after several consecutive days of physically demanding, high-intensity matches, fatigue became a factor against a fresh and formidable Spanish side.

Pakistan’s road to the final was marked by a string of notable victories over the United States, Canada, hosts Portugal and Sweden, securing the team a place on the championship podium.

The medal ceremony at the Jamor Tennis Centre in Portugal was attended by senior tennis officials, with Pakistan receiving the silver medals and runners-up trophy from the President of the International Tennis Federation and the President of the Portuguese Tennis Federation.

Paulo Domingues, Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, was also present at the ceremony, with the Pakistani team expressing its appreciation for his support and encouragement throughout their stay.

With more than 30 nations and over 300 players taking part in the championships, Pakistan emerged as the only Asian country to win a medal, underlining the growing presence of Pakistani players on the international Masters circuit.

Following the ceremony, Qureshi praised his teammates for their commitment and professionalism throughout the tournament.

“This has been an unforgettable week for Pakistan tennis,” Qureshi said, congratulating Aqeel Khan, Shehryar Salamat and Hadi Hussain for their commitment, professionalism and teamwork.

He also thanked the team’s sponsors — Lama Retail, SICAS Schools, Tablevelics and Faizan Steel — for helping make Pakistan’s participation possible.

Qureshi acknowledged the Pakistani media for its coverage of the tournament, including regular match reports, photographs and video updates, and thanked supporters in Pakistan and abroad for their encouragement.

He also expressed gratitude to Ambassador Domingues for attending the closing ceremony and supporting the team during its stay in Portugal.

“Gestures like these strengthen the friendship between our two countries and meant a great deal to our team,” Qureshi said.

The silver medal represents a landmark achievement for Pakistan at the ITF Masters World Team Championships and caps a memorable campaign built on resilience, sportsmanship and team unity.