Hai refuses to become PTF’s Patron

KARACHI: Khwaja Saeed Hai has refused to accept the position of Patron of Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF).“Regarding my position in PTF, I will decide when elections are held,” stated Hai in a letter to PTF, a copy of which is available with this scribe.  

It is to be noted that PTF held its Annual General Meeting at PTF Complex in Islamabad on December 28 last year. It was attended by a number of Council Members and affiliates, including representatives of the four Provincial Associations and the Islamabad Tennis Association.

President PTF Salim Saifullah Khan chairing the meeting nominated Senator Wasim Sajjad for the position of PTF president and Hai for the post of Patron. 

The Council unanimously approved the nominations. “The attitude adopted by PTF was highly insulting to me,” said Hai, adding that he had played three grand slams six times in singles and also played men’s doubles and mixed doubles. “I am the only Muslim in the population of 1.5 billion to achieve this,” stated Hai.

“When Anwar Saifullah Khan and Dilawar were president PTF selection committee meetings were held and announcement was made by the chairman selection committee but PTF has made the post a piece of paper,” said Hai, who is also chairman selection committee.  A source added that the PTF management was surprised by this move of Hai and was now looking to resolve this issue. “Saeed Hai is not well these days as he is hospitalised,” said a source.