ISLAMABAD- A warm send off was given to Pakistan Davis Cup squad, which left for Bangkok, Thailand on late Saturday night to participate in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II final against Thailand from September 12-14.
PTF patron Senator Dilawar Abbas, president Dr Syed Kaleem Imam along with other officials and captain M Khaild was present on the occasion. A simple but impressive sending off ceremony was held here at Senator Dilawar Abbas PTF Complex.
Speaking at the occasion, Dilawar said: “Davis Cup is arguably most prestigious team event and all the top players of the world love to represent their respective countries. I fully endorse Kaleem's decision of not only inviting Samir to Thailand but also other foreign-based Pakistani nationality players. It’s good that no direct entry was given to the lad, despite the fact that everybody prefers to retain winning combination. Samir was very much part of the team, which defeated Philippines in the semifinals and it will also start a very healthy competition for places.”
“It is our right to field best possible team. Victory in the finals means a lot for not only players but also for the country as it will provide Pakistan a chance to play in play offs and then enter world group. We have well balanced team in shape of Aisam and Aqeel, but we need a player in the back up. Samir is young and energetic and already playing competitive tennis in the US,” he added.
To a query regarding preferring foreign-based players to locals, Dilawar replied: “No I don't think in that fashion as I believe by inviting foreign-based players and that too with high reputations and much better rankings, helps the team and enhances victory chances of the country.”
“I still believe although home ground and crowd matters a lot, but conditions in Thailand are almost identical to Pakistan’s. It is true they will face some difficulty due to humidity, but a wee-early departure will help them to cope with that,” Dilawar concluded.
Sharing his views, Kaleem wished good luck to the team and urged them to deliver forgetting about the results. “The players should focus on their game and try to give their best. If they play well and lose, I don't mind and continue to provide maximum opportunities to them. I have invited Samir and sending extra player just to give fair chance to all the stake holders.”
Talking about non-playing captain, Kaleem said: “Khalid is a very experienced lad and his presence with the team will help the players. I will give special incentive to the team, if they manage to beat Thailand and a grand reception will be held in their honor.” “I congratulate Aqeel for receiving ‘Pride of Performance’. Off course, Aqeel contributed a lot for the country and his parents and coaches did a lot, but the federation has always stands behind Aqeel and it is our tireless efforts which resulted in Aqeel finally getting the prestigious award and that too in his playing day. All the others have received this honour after retirement,” Kaleem concluded.
Sharing his views, Aqeel promised to play out his heart and said the team was quite balanced. “Aisam has already reached Thailand, which will be an added advantage for all of us. I support the federation’s stance of fielding best possible team.
All the players have fair chances and the one who will deliver will be part of the squad.”