Meheq Khokhar has been actively involved in tennis since a young age. She fondly shares, "I started playing when I was eight or nine years old and I was chosen to represent Pakistan internationally at the age of 12." This remarkable achievement occurred during the 14-and-under Asia Tennis Federation tournament held in Myanmar.
Meheq Khokhar in action on the court | Photo courtesy Meheq Khokhar
That tournament became a defining moment for Meheq, igniting her passion for tennis. Initially, she played for fun, but the experience of competing against players from diverse countries, cultures, and religions filled her with pride in her own identity. Representing Pakistan on the international stage and competing against the world's best athletes brought her indescribable joy. It also allowed her to form lasting friendships with like-minded individuals, sharing the same passion and goals.
Meheq, a Scotland-born Pakistani, is currently a part of the Pakistan tennis team competing in the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tennis has taken her to numerous countries in Asia and Europe, even living in the US on a tennis scholarship. Tennis has been an integral part of her life, shaping her character and exposing her to diverse experiences from a young age.
Her journey into tennis began at a young age when she returned to Pakistan with her family, having spent her early years in Glasgow. Her father played a significant role in introducing her to tennis. Growing up in a sporty family, Meheq and her siblings engaged in various sports like football, cricket, badminton, and basketball.
While tennis is a sport with technical intricacies, Meheq had the advantage of receiving coaching from experienced players who had represented Pakistan in the Davis Cup. However, she highlights the financial challenges faced in Pakistan when it comes to sports facilities and coaching.
Thankfully, Meheq and other players do not have to bear the financial burden of competing in international events, as the International Tennis Federation covers most of the expenses. The Pakistan Tennis Federation also supports them in terms of accommodation and daily allowances.
That tournament became a defining moment for Meheq, igniting her passion for tennis. Initially, she played for fun, but the experience of competing against players from diverse countries, cultures, and religions filled her with pride in her own identity. Representing Pakistan on the international stage and competing against the world's best athletes brought her indescribable joy. It also allowed her to form lasting friendships with like-minded individuals, sharing the same passion and goals.
Meheq, a Scotland-born Pakistani, is currently a part of the Pakistan tennis team competing in the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tennis has taken her to numerous countries in Asia and Europe, even living in the US on a tennis scholarship. Tennis has been an integral part of her life, shaping her character and exposing her to diverse experiences from a young age.
Her journey into tennis began at a young age when she returned to Pakistan with her family, having spent her early years in Glasgow. Her father played a significant role in introducing her to tennis. Growing up in a sporty family, Meheq and her siblings engaged in various sports like football, cricket, badminton, and basketball.
While tennis is a sport with technical intricacies, Meheq had the advantage of receiving coaching from experienced players who had represented Pakistan in the Davis Cup. However, she highlights the financial challenges faced in Pakistan when it comes to sports facilities and coaching.
Thankfully, Meheq and other players do not have to bear the financial burden of competing in international events, as the International Tennis Federation covers most of the expenses. The Pakistan Tennis Federation also supports them in terms of accommodation and daily allowances.
Besides excelling in tennis, Meheq has pursued her passion for sports broadcasting. She studied broadcast journalism at Hofstra University in the US while on a tennis scholarship. Her dedication and hard work led to opportunities as a sports presenter, allowing her to combine her love for sports and media.
Meheq emphasizes the importance of the fighting spirit in tennis, a quality that has shaped her both on and off the court. Her determination to face challenges head-on has been instrumental in her success. Like her tennis idol, Rafael Nadal, she believes in fighting till the end, regardless of the odds.
Representing Pakistan in the Billie Jean King Cup is an honor for Meheq, and she hopes to continue making a mark for her country on the international stage. Despite being 30 years old, she firmly believes that there's still plenty of tennis left in her.
As she participates in the Billie Jean King Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Meheq reflects on Pakistan's impressive performance in the previous event in Tajikistan, which remains relatively unknown to many back home. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic and driven to excel in the sport she loves.
Meheq emphasizes the importance of the fighting spirit in tennis, a quality that has shaped her both on and off the court. Her determination to face challenges head-on has been instrumental in her success. Like her tennis idol, Rafael Nadal, she believes in fighting till the end, regardless of the odds.
Representing Pakistan in the Billie Jean King Cup is an honor for Meheq, and she hopes to continue making a mark for her country on the international stage. Despite being 30 years old, she firmly believes that there's still plenty of tennis left in her.
As she participates in the Billie Jean King Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Meheq reflects on Pakistan's impressive performance in the previous event in Tajikistan, which remains relatively unknown to many back home. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic and driven to excel in the sport she loves.