PM urged to invite tennis team over a cup of tea

ISLAMABAD: Davis Cup captain and renowned tennis veteran Hameedul Haq has requested Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to invite history creating national team over a cup of tea enabling members to put up even better show during the forthcoming Group I tie against Uzbekistan.

Pakistan team last month overpowered strong Korea 4-0 to go a step closer to make it to the World Group. If Pakistan goes on to beat Uzbekistan next month it would be for the third time in the history that Pakistan would go on play the World Group qualifier.

“It was a historic victory against a team that is ruling Asian tennis. I hope and even request PM to invite the team over a cup of tea. It would definitely help Pakistan players put up even better show against Uzbekistan next month. What a player needs is recognition of his achievement and services. What Aisamul Haq and Aqeel Khan have achieved and delivered for Pakistan is difficult to be emulated in years to come,” Hameed who as captain helped Pakistan win Davis Cup ties for the third successive time said. Previously, under his captaincy Pakistan defeated Indonesia and Chinese Taipei. The victory against Korea was his third successive as a captain.

Hameed praised PM for his support that he had shown for the development of games in recent times. “It was really heartening to see PM meeting former squash legend Jansher Khan the other day at his office. I hope and expect PM to invite Davis Cup team, helping them put up even better show in days to come.”

The victory against Korea raised Pakistan international tennis ranking to 32 from their previous position of 39. “Over 210 countries play Davis Cup each year. Unlike cricket and hockey that is played by a handful of countries, tennis is a sport that is played in almost every country around the world, making it most popular sports along with football. To become world No 32 is indeed a big achievement,” Hameed said.