How The Stars Are Helping Qureshi Feed Pakistanis In Need

Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi has played doubles against Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic during his career. But now, the legends are helping Qureshi as he continues his efforts to ensure that Pakistanis in need receive ration bags during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qureshi has launched a charity auction, Stars Against Hunger, in conjunction with his foundation, Stop War Start Tennis, to raise funds to provide as many ration bags as possible for daily workers who have been unable to work during these tough times. 

“As an athlete, as a sportsman, I feel like tennis has given me so much, and it’s a way of me giving back to the communities,” Qureshi said. “I’ve been all over the world, there are so many people who have touched my heart, and that’s why I feel like helping everybody I can in any way possible.”

Learn More About The Auction

Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Qureshi have all won the ATP’s Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year Award. The Pakistani admires all the work the legends do off the court.

“Every single item is going to be very close to my heart. It’s going to go a long way for me to raise funds here in Pakistan. There’s a huge population that loves tennis. These guys are legends here. Everybody loves each and every one of them,” Qureshi said. “They’re unbelievable guys and human beings. None of them hesitated. The second I asked them if I can use any kind of memorabilia from them, they were more than happy to send it to me. I can’t thank them enough… Pakistan can’t thank you guys enough.”

Other players who have contributed are reigning Nitto ATP Finals champion Stefanos Tsitsipas, 2017 Nitto ATP Finals winner Grigor Dimitrov, World No. 5 Daniil Medvedev and WTA star Sania Mirza.

Athletes from other sports who have donated memorablia for the auction are boxer Amir Khan, field hockey player Shahbaz Ahmed, squash player Jahangir Khan and cricketers Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram and Shoaib Malik.

In order to bid on the items, you must send an email to the address at the bottom of the Stars Against Hunger website. According to Qureshi, the auction will end on 24 May. You also can donate directly to Qureshi’s cause here.

Qureshi, who himself has delivered rations, says the bags include flour, rice, oil, grains, tea, milk and soap, and can feed a family of five. One ration bag costs 3,500 rupees, or approximately $45. The campaign has already supported more than 2,000 families in Pakistan.