Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi’s Legacy Beyond the Tennis Court

Indian professional tennis player, Rohan Bopanna, made headlines and history at this year’s US Open as the oldest Grand Slam doubles finalist in the Open era. Bopanna’s career has already inspired many in India, South Asia, and across the world, to take up tennis. However, his most significant contributions might just be those that have nothing to do with the sport.

Bopanna is one of India’s tennis legends, having already won five Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Masters 1000 titles (the second most prestigious title, behind Grand Slams) and one French Open title in mixed doubles. In 2007, Bopanna partnered with Pakistani professional tennis player Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and bore the nickname “IndoPak Express” as they won four Challenger titles (the second highest tier of professional tennis), one ATP event, and reached the finals of the US Open. 

However, the pair’s tennis accolades were the least impressive aspects of their partnership. Bopanna and Qureshi’s collaboration was most meaningful because it flew in the face of the divisions that both the Indian and Pakistani governments incite. Both governments use the other as a scapegoat for issues in the region, accuse the other of being a state-sponsor of terrorism, and have fought wars for control over the region of Jammu and Kashmir. These political differences have been used to fuel animosity between the two people and have resulted in animosity between the two peoples.   

That’s why Bopanna and Qureshi’s tennis partnership was so significant. The two have been vocal in their opposition to war broadly. They both support the nonprofit organization “Stop War Start Tennis,” which was started by Qureshi. Qureshi explained the mission of the organization:

Stop War Start Tennis targets people who have been affected by wars or natural disasters. We provide specific tennis wheelchairs and tennis equipment to people who have lost their limbs or legs and can’t walk again. Basically, tennis has given me everything. I feel like it’s my obligation now and my responsibility to give something back.

Qureshi in an interview with the IOC

Bopanna and Qureshi have both lamented the strained relations between India and Pakistan. After Bopanna attended Qureshi’s wedding in Pakistan, he was stopped by the police. Once the police recognized him, they took selfies and offered him tea. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that other Indians stopped in Pakistan have the same experience. Qureshi also remarked what a shame it is that Indian and Pakistani players cannot visit the other’s country without a specific sporting or cultural reason.

The reality is that the people of India and Pakistan have no interest in the divisions that their governments foment. While the governments duke it out on the political arena, Bopanna and Qureshi continue to promote friendship and equality between the people. Even though Bopanna lost in the yesterday’s final, his and Qureshi’s impact off the court is worth more than any title.