LAHORE - Renowned Pakistan tennis coach and former Davis Cupper Rashid Malik is leaving for Jalandhar, India to defend his ITF Seniors 45 plus and 50 plus titles.
Talking to The Nation here on Saturday before his departure to India, Rashid Malik said: “I could not play the ITF Seniors for almost four years due to COVID but this year, I have made my mind and I am geared up to defend my titles in India and then Thailand too in November.
“After defending my titles in India and Thailand, my next target will be getting ready to play World Championship in Europe. I think I am still fit for the ITF Seniors and not only continue to take part in these events across the world but can also win a lot of titles for my country,” said Malik, who hasn’t yet lost a single ITF Seniors match and still determined to earn more international glories for Pakistan.
Sharing the details of his tennis routine, the veteran player and coach said: “Tennis is my passion and love and that’s why I have been serving Pakistan tennis with great devotion and dedication. Being a Secretary General of Punjab Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA), I have been conducting record number of tennis tournaments every year under the dynamic leadership of PLTA Chairman Rao Iftikhar Ahmad, and, therefore, the PLTA has been named as the best unit of Pakistan tennis for last four years in a row.
“Not only this, I have also been working very actively on junior development program in Punjab, due to which the players of the province are excelling at ATF level and winning international laurels for Pakistan. These are the future stars, who, if provided with the best facilities and maximum international exposure, can win Grand Slams for Pakistan,” he asserted.
“Despite all these activities and hectic schedule, I am also sparing time for myself and preparing for the ITF Seniors. Now I am ready to participate in ITF Seniors in India and Thailand and very optimistic of defending my titles there,” Malik concluded.