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Bopanna-Qureshi wins ATP Award
Rohan Bopanna and his doubles partner Aisam-ul-haq-Qureshi, were announced as the winners in London on Saturday.
Indian ace and Doubles World No. 13 Rohan Bopanna has been conferred the renowned Arthur Ashe 'Humanitarian of the Year' award, for the year 2010.
The prestigious title is awarded to recognize the efforts made by players towards the welfare of society and Rohan is the first Indian to receive this honour, which has previously been awarded to legends such as Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter, Andy Roddick and Roger Federer.
Bopanna becomes the fourth Indian to receive an ATP World Tour Award, joining the likes of Vijay Amritraj, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi.
"It is a huge honour to receive this award from the ATP, Aisam and I are humbled and will continue to spread our message to the world", said an emotional Rohan who, along with Aisam, is currently ranked as the No.8 team in the world.
The Indo-Pak Express have gathered tremendous support over the past year for their unique message of 'Stop War, Start Tennis', and this award will only strengthen their campaign to build a bridge of friendship between their respective countries with this motto.
It has been 11 years since an Indian was honoured at the ATP World Tour Awards, and the importance is not lost on Rohan. "Of course it is great news for India, Lee and Hesh won an award 1999 and today again is a very big day for Indian Tennis", said Rohan.
Qureshi was recently named a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, and the pair's increased popularity and visibility is demonstrated by the fact they garnered 12% of fan votes to also come in third place for the ATPWorldTour.com Fans' Favourite Doubles Team.
Indian ace and Doubles World No. 13 Rohan Bopanna has been conferred the renowned Arthur Ashe 'Humanitarian of the Year' award, for the year 2010.
The prestigious title is awarded to recognize the efforts made by players towards the welfare of society and Rohan is the first Indian to receive this honour, which has previously been awarded to legends such as Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter, Andy Roddick and Roger Federer.
Bopanna becomes the fourth Indian to receive an ATP World Tour Award, joining the likes of Vijay Amritraj, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi.
"It is a huge honour to receive this award from the ATP, Aisam and I are humbled and will continue to spread our message to the world", said an emotional Rohan who, along with Aisam, is currently ranked as the No.8 team in the world.
The Indo-Pak Express have gathered tremendous support over the past year for their unique message of 'Stop War, Start Tennis', and this award will only strengthen their campaign to build a bridge of friendship between their respective countries with this motto.
It has been 11 years since an Indian was honoured at the ATP World Tour Awards, and the importance is not lost on Rohan. "Of course it is great news for India, Lee and Hesh won an award 1999 and today again is a very big day for Indian Tennis", said Rohan.
Qureshi was recently named a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, and the pair's increased popularity and visibility is demonstrated by the fact they garnered 12% of fan votes to also come in third place for the ATPWorldTour.com Fans' Favourite Doubles Team.
