Chasing his dream of representing India on the international stage, an 11-year-old boy, Mohammad Qais has become a sensation in the sport of soft tennis with his immense caliber and love for the sport.
Despite his tender age, Qais has already secured a few medals, showcasing his remarkable talent.
Last year, Mohammad Qais achieved a significant milestone when he emerged victorious in the Under-12 category at the Lawn Tennis Championship held in Srinagar. This achievement didn’t go unnoticed, as his exceptional talent and technique earned the admiration of many. The tournament, hosted by the District Lawn Tennis Association in collaboration with the J&K Lawn Tennis Association and supported by the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, took place at Gindun Stadium in Rajbagh from September 9 to 12.
Qais, who prefers soft tennis, shared that his passion for the sport blossomed from a very young age. He drew inspiration from the legendary Swiss tennis player, Roger Federer, known for his numerous ATP records and his status as one of the greatest tennis players in history. Qais aspires to follow in Federer’s footsteps and make a name for himself in the tennis world.
The young and talented Qais has also left his mark on the national stage, achieving the top ranking in the Under-12 category of lawn tennis in Jammu & Kashmir. His achievements didn’t stop there; he was even selected to represent India at an international soft tennis championship in Thailand last year. However, fate had different plans for him as he was unable to attend the event due to the unavailability of a passport.
Qais’s father explained their efforts to obtain a passport for his son. He mentioned that the deputy commissioner of Srinagar had been supportive in their quest to secure the passport promptly. However, their hopes were dashed when they learned that the passport needed to be around three months old to be valid for international travel.
Despite this setback, Qais received recognition and encouragement from renowned coach Kuldeep Handoo, who awarded him for his dedication and talent. Qais remains undeterred and continues to practice diligently, hoping that one day he will fulfil his dream of representing India on the international stage.
Qais’s father, Aijaz Ahmad, revealed that his son’s interest in lawn tennis developed from a very young age. He acknowledged that tennis isn’t as popular in Kashmir as other sports, making Qais’s passion even more remarkable. Aijaz shared their journey, including the pivotal moment when they met Tennis Coach Dilbagh Singh at Gindun Stadium in Rajbagh. Coach Singh recognized Qais’s unique talent and provided valuable mentoring.
During the winter months, Qais received further coaching from J&K’s top tennis player, Moazam Rashid, for a duration of four months. Even Indian coach Javed Hazarre praised the young boy’s talent. Aijaz Ahmad is now considering enrolling Qais in a coaching academy to further nurture his skills and prepare him for the international stage. He has unwavering faith in his child’s abilities and believes that one day, Qais will proudly represent India on the global tennis scene.
In the coming months, Aijaz plans to register Qais with the All-India Tennis Association (AITA), a step that could open doors for Qais to participate in Under-12 events across the entire country. When asked about his family’s support, the aspiring young athlete emphasized the crucial role his parents play in his journey. He acknowledged that without their unwavering support, particularly during his teenage years, achieving his dreams would be impossible. With his father’s guidance and encouragement, Qais remains hopeful that in the not-so-distant future, he will have the privilege of representing his country on the international stage.
With a supportive family by his side and a determination that knows no bounds, Qais aspires to make his mark in the world of tennis and proudly represent India on the grandest stage. As he continues to hone his skills and work tirelessly toward his goals, his journey serves as an inspiring tale of determination, perseverance, and unwavering dreams.
