Bopanna-Qureshi launch merchandise with peace message

Chennai: ATP Humanitarians of the Year, Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-haq-Qureshi launched their official ‘Stop War Start Tennis’ merchandise here on Monday.

The duo, seeded second at the Chennai Open, introduced the brand and a newly designed logo at the SDAT Tennis Stadium on Monday at a pre-tournament press conference. The ‘IndoPak Express’, as they are popularly known, bagged headlines across the globe with their peace message on the back of their t-shirts at last year’s Wimbledon. “What started out as a simple statement has now become a world-wide campaign. This is a great opportunity for us to connect with our fans and we are thrilled to finally launch the merchandise,” said the big-serving Bopanna. The dup have set up an online selling page through Alma Mater store for their extensive merchandise. “People all over the world have been supporting this cause and we hope that this venture will give them an opportunity to support and spread the message of peace,” said Qureshi. The duo also personally autographed t-shirts, that they will give away to fans at Chennai Open. Some of the proceeds will go to Bopanna and Qureshi’s respective charities. Rohan supports GoSports Foundation, a non-profit trust helping athletes across India, while Aisam’s family charity - the Haq Foundation, has been doing a lot of relief work for flood victims back in Pakistan, a release said. PTI