India’s tennis stars find Pakistan perfect place to compete

ISLAMABAD: While Indian government continues to discourage resuming sports ties with Pakistan, hosts of Indians who are here for the ITF Future International Tennis events finds the country a perfect place to compete.

No less than seven top Indian tennis players are in Islamabad these days playing and enjoying tennis. Besides taking part in singles event, they also figure in doubles. Anand Kumar who is ranked 17 in India always finds Pakistan a place to enjoy and play tennis. “I am happy to be part of future internationals and I am really enjoying my stay here. Whenever Pakistan hosts international tennis events I come here and compete in the event,” he said. When questioned by this correspondent as why India was reluctant to play cricket and hockey series against Pakistan at the time when their top tennis players were here for Future. The player from New Delhi said he had no knowledge of that as it was something beyond him and above his understandings. “I do believe that sport is the best medium to bring countries and communities closer. When anyone asks me as a person I believe that both countries should play against each other in all sports. We are here for tennis and are really enjoying our stay in Islamabad,” he said.

It has almost ten years now that Board of Control for India (BCCI) has been declining Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) offers to resume bilateral cricketing ties. The BCCI always blamed their government for not allowing India to resume cricketing ties with Pakistan. On the contrary, Indian top national tennis players have no such worries as they get required permission to travel to Pakistan for these international events. “We Indians are feeling at ease here in Pakistan and have come are enjoying our stay and competition,” Anand’s double partner Jatin Dahya said.

The Indians mostly stayed at their hotels during last two days with heavy rains washed out all proceedings in the Kulsum Saifullah international Future. Like other from Wednesday they were seen back at the PTF Complex courts, playing their first and second rounds.Almost 25 foreign players that also include couple of locals who play and train in USA are here for the tennis events.