‘Aqeel’s fitness key for tie success’

ISLAMABAD: Former Davis Cup captain Hameedul Haq termed Aqeel Khan’s fitness as key to Pakistan’s success during the forthcoming Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group I tie against Uzbekistan.

Talking to ‘The News’ on Friday, the non-playing captain of the team that won crucial tie against South Korea in February, said that Aqeel’s shoulder problem was not an ordinary one.

“He was having severe problem and as such was undergoing physiotherapy in Karachi for the last one month. What I have learnt is that Aqeel has paid entire physiotherapy expenses from his own pocket.

“Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) should reimburse the physiotherapy expenses as looking after players’ fitness is totally the job of federation. Aqeel has made all out efforts to get fit for the forthcoming tie and we must appreciate his efforts.”

Hameed said according to Aqeel he had almost regained fitness. “He has improved his fitness due to continuous physiotherapy process he underwent in Karachi.”Aqeel has arrived in Islamabad the other day and would start training alongside other leading camp probables from Sunday — the day when the trials would get underway.

A PTF official when contacted said that the federation would bear Aqeel’s expenses. “He is our leading player and as such we would do all we could to make sure he is fit and ready for the important tie. Aqeel is entitled to all medical payments and expenditures. On his one call we have arranged his travelling from Karachi to Islamabad within 15 minutes. We would make every effort to get him fit and ready for the important Davis Cup tie.”