India players find Pakistan perfect place to compete

ISLAMABAD: While Indian government continues to discourage resumption of sports ties with Pakistan, hosts of Indians who are here for the ITF Futures 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 the singles event, they also figure in doubles. Anand Kumal who is ranked 17 in India always finds Pakistan a place to enjoy and play tennis.

“I am happy to be part of Futures 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 Futures. 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 disciplines. We are here for tennis and are really enjoying our stay in Islamabad,” he said.

It has been almost ten years now that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been declining Pakistan Cricket Board’s (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 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 are enjoying our stay and competition,” Anand’s doubles partner Jatin Dahya said.

The Indians mostly stayed at their hotels during last two days with heavy rains washed out all proceedings in the Begum Kulsum Saifullah ITF Futures International tennis tournament. Almost 25 foreign players that also include a couple of locals who play and train in USA are here for the tennis events.