ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's longest serving number 1 tennis player Aqeel Khan fears for the future of Pakistan tennis and urged Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) president Salim Saifullah Khan to take drastic steps war footings and initiate grass roots level country-wide talent hunt programme before it’s too late.
Aqeel expressed these views during an exclusive interview with The Nation on Friday. He said after two years, both Aisam and him would not be able to play Davis Cup matches as age is fast catching them. “I am quite surprised and a bit disappointed with the younger lot. They are quite blessed to have opportunities to play in ITF features, which were not available during my peak days. But I am very upset with these youngsters as they fail to click and get even a single international ranking point, which is unacceptable. When one is playing for the last two years or so in international circuit, they should take giant strides. They are the future of Pakistan and they must fulfill their potential and live up to the expectations.”
Aqeel said picked three outstanding players in Peshawar including Saqib, Shoaib and Aqib and termed them real quality stuff and strongly recommend the federation to patronise them and bring them to Islamabad and prepare them. “It is my challenge, they would not disappoint if they are provided with quality tennis coaches and also take good care of their studies, in next 3 to 4 years they would solve all problems and could take Pakistan tennis to new highs. They are quite young and any investment on them now would bear fruit in years to come.”
When asked about who should represent Pakistan in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II tie against Indonesia along Aqeel and Aisam, Aqeel said Abid Ali is a very good prospect and he should be retained, while there should be trials for the 4th and last spot between Samir, Ahmed, Yasir and M Abid and the better player would force his way into the squad.”
Aqeel, who had recently done ATP level-B course, said the PTF must have to dig deep and invest on the youngsters and it should not be a short solution or patch work. He said the PTF need to chalk out long term plan and that is the only way to get desired results. “They had to talk with the parents and convince them to allow their kids time to concentrate on tennis as they had to sacrifice full time studies but they could continue studies on part time basis, otherwise it is impossible to focus on both things.”
When asked about the work on his tennis academy and when it would be launched, Aqeel said he was completely in the dark as he had time and again requested CM Sindh to allocate a piece of land where he could construct international standard academy. He said he was also ready to start academy in Islamabad, but no one bothers to pay any heed to my requests. “Dilawar Abbas had offered me to start academy at PTF and Kaleem Imam also extended same offer, but there a lot of coaches politics and I don't want to work under such environment. I am grateful to all the PTF presidents, who gave me respect, but I would start my own academy, completely equipped with international standards. Tennis is fast changing with each passing day and if I had the opportunities like the players have now of playing abroad, I could have easily break into elite group of players. I had well passed my peak days but I don't want to see same happening with other bright kids. I had maintained number 1 rankings for 17 years and somebody would replace me soon, just like I replaced someone. But becoming Pakistan number 1 is an honour, but it doesn't mean I am the best in the business. We have to participate in international tournaments to give much-needed international exposure to our youth or else, it would be almost impossible for Pakistan to retain their standing in Davis Cup in few years time.”
Aqeel said his services are always available and its upto federation to benefit from my vast experience., I might not be able to offer my services, as I am getting frustrated with each passing day and might accept one from number of offers I had.”