Aqeel Khan uncertain about coaching career
Pakistan’s top player feels the need to continue playing tennis.
“So, as far as coaching is concerned, I’m still contemplating. I know I can go for that anytime I want to,” tennis player Aqeel Khan. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
KARACHI:
Pakistan’s number one tennis player Aqeel Khan said he wanted to continue playing the sport amidst coaching offers from India and Bahrain.
The 32-year-old, who started playing for the country at the age of 14, stated that the coaching offers still stood, and he could leave for either of the countries at his convenience. However, Aqeel felt he still had more time on his hands to continue his playing career.
“I have offers from Bahrain and another one from India, and they still stand,” Khan told The Express Tribune.
“I don’t know why I still haven’t left. I still feel that I need to play more tennis in Pakistan. I have at least two to three years left to play and I know this time will not come back to me.
“Besides, there is no one to replace me and Aisamul Haq Qureshi for the Davis Cup team. That’s another charm. Aisam and I’ve played the most Davis Cup events for a country.
“There is a reason why he would always come play at the Davis Cup despite his busy schedule.
“So, as far as coaching is concerned, I’m still contemplating. I know I can go for that anytime I want to.”
Aqeel has not played any international tournaments this year since the Davis Cup tie against New Zealand in April.
However, he added that for now, he was eyeing the International Tennis Federation Futures events in Turkey.
“I’ll be talking to the Pakistan Tennis Federation to send me to Turkey,” he said. “It is expensive to participate there, but I’d want that experience later this year or right before the next Davis Cup matches.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 13th, 2013.
Pakistan’s number one tennis player Aqeel Khan said he wanted to continue playing the sport amidst coaching offers from India and Bahrain.
The 32-year-old, who started playing for the country at the age of 14, stated that the coaching offers still stood, and he could leave for either of the countries at his convenience. However, Aqeel felt he still had more time on his hands to continue his playing career.
“I have offers from Bahrain and another one from India, and they still stand,” Khan told The Express Tribune.
“I don’t know why I still haven’t left. I still feel that I need to play more tennis in Pakistan. I have at least two to three years left to play and I know this time will not come back to me.
“Besides, there is no one to replace me and Aisamul Haq Qureshi for the Davis Cup team. That’s another charm. Aisam and I’ve played the most Davis Cup events for a country.
“There is a reason why he would always come play at the Davis Cup despite his busy schedule.
“So, as far as coaching is concerned, I’m still contemplating. I know I can go for that anytime I want to.”
Aqeel has not played any international tournaments this year since the Davis Cup tie against New Zealand in April.
However, he added that for now, he was eyeing the International Tennis Federation Futures events in Turkey.
“I’ll be talking to the Pakistan Tennis Federation to send me to Turkey,” he said. “It is expensive to participate there, but I’d want that experience later this year or right before the next Davis Cup matches.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 13th, 2013.