National hero Aisamul Haq Qureshi on Monday visited his alma mater, Government College University Lahore, where the university's Sports Board hosted a reception in the honour of US Open finalist. GCU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Aftab, a large number of students, GCU faculty members and the parents and friends of Aisam-ul-Haq attended the ceremony.
Addressing the reception, Aisam-ul-Haq said that he owed his success to his alma mater and teachers who during his college life always encouraged him to play professional tournaments at the national and international level. "I think that was the support which elevated my confidence and helped 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 also remembered that he had attended a very few classes at the GCU as he had always been busy in training at the university tennis court or playing tournaments for his alma mater and Pakistan. Aisam said that GCU inculcates great values of tolerance, respect for others views and faiths, and compassion along with imagination. He said he is proud to be "Ravain" and "Pakistani".
Dr Aftab said that even when Aisam was at GCU, he was hardly at the campus. "He was always on Duty Leave for training or for sports. Perhaps, Aisam was sanctioned the maximum number of duty leaves by me among all the sportsmen in my tenure," he added. "I was somewhat concerned about his future in those days and discussed his case with his coaches and teachers but they always belied my concerns. And now he is a big star and we are all very proud of him," the vice chancellor said.
Dr Aftab further said Aisam is now also acknowledged as an Ambassador of Peace of Pakistan - something that we wish every Ravain to be. "He is a true Ravian," he added.
The vice chancellor also said that the university is compiling its 146-year sports history in which Aisam ul Haq's name will prominently appear. Later, talking to GCU sportsmen, Aisam-ul-Haq urged the GCU students to excel as Pakistani and be proud of your nationality. We, Pakistanis, are talented enough to bring glory to our nation. We can win any world cup, he said.
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