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Friday March 29, 2024

Relaxing Aqeel ready for next assignment

By Gabriel de Souza
March 29, 2020

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan tennis star Aqeel Khan is enjoying “quality time” with his parents and family amid closure of all sports activity due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Aqeel and Aisamul Haq Qureshi just recently displayed a marvelous performance as Pakistan outplayed Slovenia in 2020 Davis Cup World Group I playoff played in Islamabad.

Talking to ‘The News’ from Karachi, the national No 1 said the current situation has forced everyone to stay home. “This is the most sensible thing to do in the present circumstances,” he said. “But fitness is also very important; not just for sportsmen but for everyone. That is why I am taking care of my fitness at home.

“Besides spending quality time with my parents and family, I try to sleep more. We cannot go out, so obviously there can’t be any tennis. I just work out at home these days to stay in shape. One can also improve one’s footwork with indoor drills which is also very important.”

Aqeel, who has been at the top of the national rankings for a number of years, said he ensures that he maintains a good diet that includes more vegetables.

When asked how easy or difficult it is to keep focused mentally when one knows that it will likely be a lengthy idle period, Pakistan’s Davis Cup star said for him staying focused was not an issue. “Tennis is a full time job for me,” he said. “So, for me it is easy to be mentally ready at all times. We are also like soldiers; no matter where we are we should have the ability to stay prepared for the next assignment.”

Aqeel has been representing Pakistan with distinction in Davis Cup since 1997-98. Commenting on such a long playing career and his future plans, he said: “For the last 4 years I have been telling myself that this will be my last six months (as a player). But Allah gives me special strength and willpower to train hard, stay fit and carry on. I feel I am more fit than when I was between 18 to 30 years of my age. I am 40 now, but seriously I don’t feel that old. I pray to Allah to give me strength to keep serving my country till I can.

“Allah has blessed me in many ways -- I am the Pakistan No 1 for the last 20 years, I have been playing Davis Cup for 23 years, I have represented the country in Davis Cup more than 47 times plus I have won 120 singles and 100 doubles titles. What more can anyone ask for.” The national champion said he has been getting coaching offers from outside Pakistan for the last 15 years. “I even signed the contract a couple of times, but I didn’t go. Aisam and I are looking for a place in Lahore and Karachi to launch our academy to pass on our knowledge and experience to youngsters.

“Our aim is not to produce Aqeels and Aisams of the future, but much better players than us,” he said.

Aqeel said Pakistan has a lot of tennis talent. “I have seen many kids that are really good, but parents only bring them to courts to play for fun. There are many who can become world class players and represent the country. I would like to ask the parents that if your son or daughter is talented please focus on them and let them take up tennis as a profession.”

The Davis Cup player urged the people of Pakistan to take the coronavirus pandemic seriously. “Please stay at home. Safe yourself, your family and others. Spend quality time with your family. And pray to Allah,” was Aqeel’s message.