Indian and Pakistan has been basically enemies for almost 60 years.
We have had three wars.
In today's world everybody needs peace
and I think if we can stop all these wars and everybody instead,
pick up a tennis racket and start tennis, I think it'll be fantastic.
Aisam Qureshi and Rohan Bopanna transcended the Indian-Pakistan political divide.
on a tennis court.
We've known each other for almost 17 years now and you know as juniors when we were playing together,
when I was by myself from India and Aisam from Pakistan,
I think Aisam and me got along very easily and I cherish this friendship a lot.
Everybody needs to understand that even though our countries are at war it's not the people.
In 2010, the pair, known as the ‘IndoPak Express’ made the US Open men’s doubles finals
and reached a top 10 doubles ranking
They took this opportunity and raised profile to launch Stop War Start Tennis to promote peace through tennis.
Stop War, Start Tennis targets people who have been affected by wars or natural disasters.
I provide specific tennis wheelchairs and tennis equipment to people who have lost their limbs or legs
and they can't walk again and basically tennis has given me everything
and I feel like it's my obligation now and my responsibility to give something back.
Even though now we're not playing together,
I think Indo-Pak Express will always be there and people will always associate both of us with it
and individually we are doing our level best to keep promoting peace.
Peace is the only way to move forward in this world and I feel like if everybody can be associated or play any kind of sports.
I think it will teach them to respect others - the fair play, the integrity, the friendship part, and this world will be definitely a better place.
Sport has given me so much that now I want to take the knowledge and give back to youngsters and show them the right direction.
After 2010 when I got recognised back home and the Indo-Pak Express got recognised in the whole world,
I think they made us realise that we can have a really positive and bigger impact,
not just in our countries but actually all over the world.
The ultimate symbol of sport and peace for Aisam and Rohan will be when they achieve their long-held dream…
to play a very special match.
The biggest border in Pakistan, between Pakistan and India is Wagah border and you can cross the border by foot.
It's a very historical border basically, which unites both the countries.
So the idea is there's a gate and to make the gate as a tennis net
and Rohan playing on the Pakistani side and I'll be playing on the Indian side,
basically sending the message of peace
In the meantime Rohan is getting ready for the Olympic Games in Rio …
The fact that you have so many athletes from various different countries staying in one village and everybody coming together and supporting each other.
If you've ever been to the Olympic Village you can tell the fact that no matter from which country you know the other person is,
you get along, you ask them their journey, you make so many friends
That's the beauty of our sports, that’s what tennis has taught me,
not to judge anyone because of their religion or culture and what background they're from.
I think Aisam and me have shown the way, the fact that we can get along so well.
So I think there are many people out there who can definitely do the same.
TOGETHER WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD