KARACHI: Aqeel Khan, Pakistan’s most seasoned tennis player, believes that the country deserves to qualify for Group I of the Asia-Oceania Zone after being relegated eight years back.
Aqeel holds the record for the most caps, playing 41 ties in Davis Cup for the country in the last 17 years.
The Karachi-based player said that for the upcoming tie with Thailand on September 12 in Bangkok, he is motivated despite his shoulder pain.
“This tie is very important, and I’ll be giving my 100% to finally see Pakistan in Group I,” Aqeel told The Express Tribune. “My shoulder was troubling me during our tie with Philippines as well. Although the injury is impeding my serve, I think I can hold out until the tie.”
Aqeel and Aisamul Haq Qureshi were the victors in Pakistan’s semi-final tie in Group II against Phillipines, winning the doubles rubber first and then taking the singles rubbers on the last day of the thrilling fixture in April.
The 34-year-old added that having Aisam as his doubles partner was a relief for him.
“Aisam’s presence is a source of motivation. He even helped me with my medical condition; I sent my reports to him and he showed them to the foreign doctors.
“Moreover, we’ve played together so much that we know how to cover for each other.”
Aqeel revealed that he had also been inspired to do well after his selection for the Pride of Performance Award by the government.
“Pakistan Tennis Federation President Kaleem Imam, vice-president Sultan Maqsood and Sajjad Ahmed gave my name for the award. The government has confirmed it, and I’ll receive it on March 23.
“This is a huge honour and also a great source of encouragement right before the tie,” he concluded.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2014.
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