Pakistan Tennis Team Announced for Davis Cup Against India: Federation’s Efforts Acknowledged

India Announces Tennis Squad to Visit Pakistan for Davis Cup

Mudassar Iqbal Ch:

ISLAMABAD – The President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation, Salim Saifullah, held a press conference today to announce the composition of the Pakistani tennis team for the upcoming Davis Cup against India. The team includes Aisam ul Haq, Aqeel Khan, Muhammad Abid, Muhammad Shoaib, and Barkatullah.

Saifullah informed the media that the Davis Cup tie against India is scheduled for the 3rd and 4th of February in Islamabad. He emphasized the significance of international acknowledgment of Pakistan’s position, particularly in light of the efforts made by the Federation.

Speaking on the matter, Saifullah expressed satisfaction with the International Tennis Federation’s acceptance of Pakistan’s stance. He noted that due to the Federation’s persistent efforts, Pakistan secured the hosting rights for the Davis Cup, despite challenges posed by the Indian government’s politicization of tennis.

The President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation highlighted the unexpected achievement of hosting the Davis Cup and expressed astonishment at the fact that the Indian government is involving politics in the realm of tennis.

Saifullah further stated that the inclusion of Pakistan in the Board of Directors of the Asian Tennis Federation is a significant step. He shared his views on the recent match where an Indian hopeful faced defeat against him, acknowledging that while politics has its place, it should not interfere with sports.

The President called for a revival of sports diplomacy between Pakistan and India. He urged the government to appreciate the Federation’s efforts and emphasized that while politics has its role, it should not hinder the spirit of sportsmanship.

More From Daily The Destination: India’s Ashok leads LPGA LA Championship

Saifullah revealed that the Indian Tennis Association has forwarded the list of its members, and no issues are expected regarding the visas of the Indian team. He expressed hope that the government would release funds for the second leg of the Pakistan-India Davis Cup tie.

In conclusion, the President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation highlighted the need for renewed sports diplomacy and hoped that the upcoming Davis Cup encounter would serve as a positive step towards fostering better relations between the two neighboring countries.

While India also announced Tennis Squad

All India Tennis Association (AITA) has announced the names of its touring squad for the upcoming Group I Davis Cup tie against Pakistan to be played at the Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad, on 3-4 February 2024.

In reply, the President Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), Salim Saifullah Khan, announced the Pakistan national squad that will take on India.

Khan said, “We have retained the same team that had won the recent tie against Indonesia. International Aisam ul Haq will be the playing captain of the team. The team also includes Aqeel Khan, Mohammad Shoaib, Mohammad Abid and Barkatullah. This is the best combination when it comes to playing on the grass courts where we are going to hold the tie.”

The Indian contingent includes ITF-ranked players Ramkumar Ramanathan, Sriram Balaji, Yuki Bhambri, Saketh Myneni, Niki Poonacha, and Digvijay Pratap Singh.

Others include Rohit Rajpal (captain), Zeeshan Ali (Coach), Ashutosh Singh (coach). Anand Kumar, Debashish Das (official), Dr Anil Jain (President) and his wife Vandana Jain. Anil Dhupar, Sunder lyer, Sunil Yajaman, and all officials, are also named in the list.

Pakistan’s captain, Aisam ul Haq, conveyed that there is peace in the country, thanks to the efforts of the security forces. He added that just as Pakistan sends cricket and other teams to India, it is only fair for Indian teams to visit Pakistan.

He urged India to participate in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy to be hosted by Pakistan.