Waziristan tennis plans dropped
Amid deteriorating security situation in the country, the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has cancelled plans of holding a national-level tournament in South Waziristan.
The PTF had announced last month that it was planning to hold a tournament, featuring top players from the country, to bring sporting action to the war-struck province. However, with the security situation getting worse, the PTF has cancelled the event.
“We’ve cancelled our plan of holding the tournament,” PTF Secretary Mumtaz Yusuf told The Express Tribune. “The security situation is not favourable and holding an event looks next to impossible right now. We did a lot of work after obtaining military permission but their advice isn’t positive after a series of terror attacks in various parts of the country.”
PTF hopeful of Peace Match
However, the federation is keeping its fingers crossed over the Peace Match that will feature players from India and Pakistan.
“We’re hopeful of holding that match. We’ve not dropped the plan and we’re busy inviting Indian players and making arrangements,” said Yusuf before adding that the event is likely to be held after Pakistan’s Davis Cup clash in July.
Davis Cup camp from June 10
Yusuf added that Pakistan will start preparations for their Asia Oceania Group II away tie against Korea on June 10.
He said that Aisamul Haq and Aqeel Khan would be available while Samir Iftikhar is likely to miss out.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 26th, 2011.
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