Khawaja Suhail Iftikhar, Senior Vice President of Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), has stated that the current Worldwide Tennis Federation (ITF) decision, prompted by the All India Tennis Affiliation’s (AITA) refusal to play the World Group 1 playoff Davis Cup tie in Islamabad in Jan/Feb 2024 attributable to safety considerations, has been hailed as a big success in sports activities diplomacy for Pakistan.
Khawaja Suhail acknowledged, “This constructive consequence is a stark contrast to the Davis Cup Tie in 2019, the place AITA raised comparable safety considerations, resulting in the match being performed at a neutral venue in Kazakhstan. This time, PTF’s persistent efforts, spearheaded by President Salim Saifullah Khan and his crew, have successfully lobbied in related ITF quarters, making a compelling case for Pakistan’s protected and congenial sports activities atmosphere.”
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He added that President Salim Saifullah Khan was actively engaged with ITF officers throughout a go to to London final month, vehemently presenting Pakistan’s case and countering AITA’s lobbying efforts. The success of those diplomatic endeavors has garnered acknowledgment and appreciation at varied government and sports activities boards.
The PTF senior official emphasized that the continued Juniors Worldwide Tennis tournaments in Islamabad, supported by non-public sector initiatives just like the ACE Academy led by Aisamul Haq, mirror PTF’s commitment to selling tennis from grassroots ranges. The academy, identified for conducting Pakistan’s first-ever Tennis Expertise Hunt and offering free 12 months coaching to 16 chosen juniors who now excel in varied age classes, exemplifies the federation’s persistent efforts.
Moreover, the sleek execution of eight Davis Cup ties in Islamabad since 2017 underscores PTF’s dedication to the promotion and growth of tennis in Pakistan,” added Khawaja Suhail.
