Good days ahead? Aqeel pleased with increase in prize money
Total amount of upcoming tennis events to exceed Rs 500,000
Pakistan veteran Aqeel hailed PTF’s efforts to promote the sport and attract more participation in national events. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
Aqeel Khan, Pakistan’s most seasoned Davis Cupper and the country’s top men’s singles player, welcomed the Pakistan Tennis Federation’s (PTF) decision to hold three back-to-back events offering heftier prize money than is generally up for grabs in the usual national tennis events.
The Karachi-based player turned pro 17 years ago, but has since been stuck playing events with a prize money not more than Rs50,000 for the winner.
Now the PTF is set to hold three Grade One tournaments with a total prize money of more than Rs500,000 in December, investing at least Rs1 million in each event.
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“The winners used to get Rs50,000 back in 1999, which was fine at the time,” Aqeel told The Express Tribune. “But continuing with the same amount for almost two decades is incomprehensible,” Aqeel told The Express Tribune. “Most of the players don’t even earn back the money they spend on travelling for the tournaments. As a result, many good players don’t bother to travel to another province because they know there are no financial returns.”
According to Aqeel, the semi-finalists usually just get Rs10,000- 12,000, which effectively dries up any remuneration for those who lose in the earlier rounds.
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“Everywhere in the world, international tournaments offer US$80-90 to the first-round players,” said the 35-year-old. “I’m not saying we should get the same, but it should still be a decent amount that can motivate the players to perform to their full potential.”
He said that so far, the biggest tournament in the country is organised by Pakistan Air Force every year with the total prize money exceeding Rs600,000, while the players are also provided accommodation and facilities at the PAF Mess in Peshawar.
Aqeel praised the efforts of PTF President Salim Saifullah and secretary Khalid Rehmani, saying that the officials understand the needs of the game and are trying to make a difference.
Meanwhile, Rehmani said the first tournament — Serena Open Tennis Championship —will hold a prize purse of Rs800,000, while the winner of the event will receive around Rs125,000.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 17th, 2015.
Aqeel Khan, Pakistan’s most seasoned Davis Cupper and the country’s top men’s singles player, welcomed the Pakistan Tennis Federation’s (PTF) decision to hold three back-to-back events offering heftier prize money than is generally up for grabs in the usual national tennis events.
The Karachi-based player turned pro 17 years ago, but has since been stuck playing events with a prize money not more than Rs50,000 for the winner.
Now the PTF is set to hold three Grade One tournaments with a total prize money of more than Rs500,000 in December, investing at least Rs1 million in each event.
Aisam looks to start afresh in Australia
“The winners used to get Rs50,000 back in 1999, which was fine at the time,” Aqeel told The Express Tribune. “But continuing with the same amount for almost two decades is incomprehensible,” Aqeel told The Express Tribune. “Most of the players don’t even earn back the money they spend on travelling for the tournaments. As a result, many good players don’t bother to travel to another province because they know there are no financial returns.”
According to Aqeel, the semi-finalists usually just get Rs10,000- 12,000, which effectively dries up any remuneration for those who lose in the earlier rounds.
Pakistan on brink of reviving international tennis
“Everywhere in the world, international tournaments offer US$80-90 to the first-round players,” said the 35-year-old. “I’m not saying we should get the same, but it should still be a decent amount that can motivate the players to perform to their full potential.”
He said that so far, the biggest tournament in the country is organised by Pakistan Air Force every year with the total prize money exceeding Rs600,000, while the players are also provided accommodation and facilities at the PAF Mess in Peshawar.
Aqeel praised the efforts of PTF President Salim Saifullah and secretary Khalid Rehmani, saying that the officials understand the needs of the game and are trying to make a difference.
Meanwhile, Rehmani said the first tournament — Serena Open Tennis Championship —will hold a prize purse of Rs800,000, while the winner of the event will receive around Rs125,000.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 17th, 2015.