According to All India Tennis Association (AITA) secretary Anil Dhupar, India is interested in a bilateral tennis series with Pakistan considering the growing interest in the sport in the region.
Speaking to The News on the sidelines of the Indian tennis team’s first training session at the Pakistan Sports Complex grass courts, the AITA secretary said he discussed the idea with Salim Saifullah Khan at the recent Asian meet. What was discussed during
Starting a bilateral series will help promote the sport of tennis in both countries. Tennis officials from both countries initially floated the idea in 2008 with some success.
Later, due to unknown reasons, no progress could be made. We want to restart the series to promote the sport, generate public interest, and attract sponsors. I have already spoken to the PTF president in this regard and will consider further during my stay in Pakistan for the Davis Cup tie,” said Anil.
Furthermore, Anil denied his government’s involvement in tennis matters.
We did not even ask for NOC or permission from the government before coming to Pakistan. For starting a bilateral series, I don’t think we will need any NOC from our government. There is a need to move forward in this regard.
When asked why the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Indian hockey have always turned down proposals to resume bilateral series with Pakistan, he said that no such ban in tennis Shouldn’t be.
Pakistani cricketers have recently gone to India
Pakistani cricketers have recently gone to India to play the Cricket World Cup. I think there should be no ban on traveling for sporting purposes from either side of the border. He can answer why BCCI refused to come to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. But I believe that modern-day sports require a change in sports.
When asked why AITA fought to the last minute to deny Pakistan the Davis Cup hosting rights, he said that it only used the available options.
We booked our tickets to Pakistan long ago, before the decision of the independent judge. We knew that we would be playing in Pakistan and that is why we made all the advance arrangements. We just used the available options,” he said.
Anil revealed that the Government of India has given his federation Rs 8 crore (PKR18 crore) annually for tennis activities.
“We don’t organize any national or international events. Our units do that. When it comes to finances, no sport in India has any problem on that front.
Hockey gets Rs 100 crore from the government every year. Get more. Even wrestling, boxing and other Olympic sports get billions of rupees.
This is apart from the money we invest in sports through local sponsors. Our prime minister always wins medals in international sports. Tells people and encourages them on their success.
About tennis activities in India, Anil said that India annually hosts around 35 international circuit events for seniors and over 70 for juniors.
“We organize professional circuit events ranging from $15,000 to $100,000. This is the right way to help prepare youngsters for international competitions. I would love to host Pakistani juniors in the junior circuit and hope That, they will come to India to score points.
