Pakistani-Israeli doubles team finds opposition WIMBLEDON, England -- He's made history. The media has lauded him as a example for peace in the Mideast. And his country has condemned him. After becoming the feel-good story of doubles play at Wimbledon, Pakistan's Aisamul Haq Qureshi, a Muslim, has been criticized by his country's sports officials for partnering with Israeli Amir Hadad at Wimbledon, according to the BBC. On Friday, Hadad and Qureshi beat the 11th-seeded team of Ellis Ferreira of South Africa and Rick Leach of the United States 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. It makes Qureshi, 22, the first Pakistani to reach the third round at a Grand Slam event. But he's not being praised in Pakistan for his historic success. Instead officials are considering imposing a ban. "Although he is playing in his private capacity, we officially condemn his playing with an Israeli player and an explanation has been sought from him," Pakistan Sports Board director Brigadier Saulat Abbas told the BBC. "Since Pakistan has no links with Israel, Qureshi may face a ban." Before the tournament, Qureshi asked Hadad if he had a partner. They shook hands, entered the qualifying tournament and made it through to the main doubles draw. "I didn't even think about Qureshi being a Muslim until I went home and found out it was big news in Israel, that a Jew was playing with a Muslim,'' Hadad said. "I just thought of him as another tennis player, a human being. "Maybe if we get far here we'll do some good because people will see Muslims and Jews can be friends.'' All of the publicity over the partnership was unexpected. "I am surprised at the fuss being made over my partnership," Qureshi said. "I would like to be talked about for my tennis rather than politics. "If we can change people's minds then that would be a good thing." Hadad also remains committed to the partnership. "I don't care what people think about it," Hadad told the BBC. "As long as we enjoy playing together we will continue. When we agreed to get together it was all about doing well here, making some money and improving our doubles ranking. If we win here then I would dedicate the victory to my family and to peace. "It would be good for those doubters to see that even though we are from different religions it is possible for us to work together and have some fun. A Jew and a Muslim playing together is not the end of the world. We are all human beings. We have the same blood, the same skin."
Qureshi has tentative plans to double with a Indian partner later this summer. I nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Do I hear a second?
