Pakistan tennis chief promises India full-proof security ahead of Davis Cup tie

Pakistan Tennis Federation president Salim Saifullah Khan has assured Indian team a "very safe and secure environment" as strife-torn country prepared to host a Davis Cup tie for first time in 12 years.

PTF chief also said y plan to invite India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to watch contest, scheduled for September 14-15, and promised memorable hospitality to visiting team and fans.

"We are erly waiting for Indian team. re will be good arrangements for Indian fans and players. We will host tie in a very safe and secure atmosphere," Salim Saifullah told PTI in an exclusive interview.

"re is a lot of excitement in Pakistan for this tie. Everyone is happy. It's better if we spray tennis balls at each or and t bombs. I am confident that Indian team will be impressed with Pakistan's hospitality."

India's Davis Cup team to travel to Pakistan for clash in September

An Indian tennis team is set to travel to Pakistan after 55 years. last time Pakistan hosted India was way back in 1964 when visitors won 4-0 in Lahore. When reminded that re are apprehensions regarding players' safety in Pakistan, Salim assured that thing untoward will happen.

" ITF consultants were here for three days and y inspected everything. Islamab is t a big city like Delhi, Lahore, and Mumbai. population here is below two million. All set up will be declared a red zone because Parliament, Presidency and PM (residence) are also re. I am sure thing untoward will happen and Indian players would be comfortable," he said.

"When ITF allowed us to host ties, it was based on fact that re is a consistent campaign against terrorists and terrorism by government. re is a lot of difference between 2010 incident and 2019. We have improved a lot," he ded.

Salim takes diplomatic route

Salim said two nations are similar and people too are same -- a view a lot of commoners share in both countries.

" Indian players have visited here for ITF Futures tournaments as well. And when Indians come here, it's difficult to separate m from Pakistanis because we look same. clos are same, food is also same. We always vise m to stay in specific hotels. thing has happened so far and Inshallah, thing will happen," he hoped.

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soft-spoken Salim is a staunch supporter of sports diplomacy, which he felt can be used to rmalize relations between two nations.

"Our Prime Minister and government have been trying that a dialogue happens and solutions (to problems between two countries) are explored. People in Pakistan crave to go to India and people in India also want to visit Pakistan. I hope se visits start. It will help sport. India is our next-door neighbour and our players can go re at a very little expense to train and compete with your players. It's a beginning, let's see. Our player Aisam and Bopanna h reached US Open final in 2013 and I h watched ir semifinal in New York. I hope situation improves", he said.

'God's blessing that Indian team is coming to Pakistan', says Salim

"We are planning to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come and watch tie in Islamab."

When asked what it means for Pakistan to host India after more than five deces, Salim said, "It was God's blessing that first time an Indian tennis team is coming to Islamab."

"One team h come to Lahore after independence (1964). We feel It's a good opportunity for two countries to show maturity. We should t mix politics and sports. Rar if sports and sports diplomacy is used to make situation better, thing like it. re is a lot of hype here. Inshallah, it will be a well-arranged and well-contested tie", he said. 

Indian team has upper hand in competition 

In court though, it is highly unlikely that Indian team will be troubled by home side, which does t have many quality singles players.

Veteran Aqeel Khan has been ir cruser for long, number one player for almost two deces.

"I really regret that we do t have many good singles players. Our youngsters are still t able to beat Aqeel. re are many factors that game did t grow and a big one was that Pakistan was t allowed to host Davis Cup for 12 years. It affects. People may t go and watch Aisam play outside but when he plays in Pakistan, people do come. Tennis over years has t got patron from government and sponsors, unlike India", he said. 

"You have a lot of funds for sports, but for us, it's still an issue. thing can happen without funds. But we are trying. It's an uphill task. I hope this tie helps generate more interest and enthusiasm and we will produce more Aqeel Khans and Aisams", he ded. 

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