International tennis to return to Pakistan

Former PTF chief helping country stage juniors event.

KARACHI:

Pakistan will be hosting international tennis events in November featuring players from Nepal, Bangladesh, India, and Bhutan.

The juniors’ tournaments will be organised in collaboration with the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) and will mark a resumption of international tennis events in the country. According to former Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) chief Dilawar Abbas, it will also help the local federation bring the Davis Cup back to the country.

“It will have a huge impact,” Abbas, who is also vice-president of the ATF south-Asian region, told The Express Tribune. “We’ve got confirmation from these countries and we will be holding the South Asian Countries Under-16 year Junior Championship. We’ve guaranteed their security and hospitality, therefore November will be a crucial month.

“Secondly, the return of international tennis, even though it’s a junior event, will help the PTF in getting Davis Cup hosting rights.”

Meanwhile, Abbas also encouraged the PTF to send its junior players to Thailand after forwarding a request to the ATF.

“It’s something which will benefit Pakistan. I’ve been elected vice-president of the ATF south Asian region and with this designation I am trying to get international tennis back to Pakistan. We need to prepare players for the international events as well.”

According to PTF Secretary Mumtaz Yusouf, the coaching programme was an excellent chance for the youngsters, and the federation will be short-listing the list soon.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 1^st, 2012.