PTF approves several changes in domestic tournaments in AGM

KARACHI: Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has decided that best of five sets format would be adopted in men’s singles category from January 1 in all Grade 3 and above national tournaments.

This decision was taken by the PTF members in its Annual General Meeting on Thursday at its headquarters in Islamabad, which was chaired by its president Salim Saifullah Khan.

It was also decided that inter-club events would be included in the country’s tennis circuit at regional levels.

PTF will send umpires to India for Level-1 umpiring courses. 

President Asian Tennis Federation Anil Khanna and Indian Tennis Association have offered to subsidise the cost for Pakistani participants.

Moreover, six players from Northern region (Punjab and KP) and four from Sindh may be given long-term training by the qualified coaches to groom them for Davis Cup. 

The coaching camps at Islamabad and Karachi will commence from January 1. At least four international quality synthetic courts (Deco-Turf or Plexipave) will be built at PTF Complex.

It was decided that 10 and under event may be included in all national tournaments, using intermediary tennis balls recommended by the ITF for this cadre. 

The house was informed that the new PTF website was functioning. The house also approved ranking conversion system from international ranking points to national ranking points.

It was decided that one international ranking point will be equal to 10 national ranking points. The processing fee for all combined national tournaments will be Rs10,000 and for national juniors it will remain Rs3000. It was decided to enhance the daily allowance for the outstation players to Rs700 per day from January 1.

The President informed the house about recent developments about the Davis Cup Group 1 tie between Pakistan and China.

The president emphasised that all units should contribute to the cause of tennis. The next AGM will be held in Karachi.