‘Playing ATF events to help our players’

KARACHI: Secretary Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Khalid Rehmani has said that two Asian under-14 international events in Karachi would help local players.

“Though not many international players are coming to play the two Nemoz Asian Tennis Federation 14 & under super series tennis championships, playing these events will help local players,” said Khalid.

He added that they were providing board and lodging for the tournament week to all foreign players and one official per nation, yet only two international players showed interest in these events.

Both the international players participating in the two events are girls, Kyrgyzstan’s Adelya Isabekova (ATF ranking 183) and Malaysia’s Dania Melati Fahrol Rodzi.

Kim Dainihee from Korea, Tng En Lydia Liong from Malaysia, and Abhilasha Bista from Nepal withdrew from these events which are to be held at DA Creek Club and Karachi Gymkhana from July 9-21. 

The events are being organised by Nimos & Nameer Shamsi Tennis Academy in collaboration with Sindh Tennis Association.

“When our players participate in such Asian-level events they don’t get free board and lodging, so by playing these two events they will earn points to be eligible for free board and lodging in international events,” said Khalid.

He said this would be one of the key benefits of these two events for the local players. “Over 20 local players have entered their names in these events. They will surely earn valuable points,” said Khalid.

The secretary said many people had contacted him as they wanted their children to play the under-14 series. “We are now planning to focus on under-14 category events,” said Khalid.  The organisers claim that this is the first time two such ATF events were being held in Karachi.