Indo-Pak Express is Gaining Momentum

In the light of the firm doubles ‘Indo-Pak Express’ partnership between Aisam-ul Haq Qureshi and Rohan Bopanna, tennis is continuing to tear down the sporting barriers set up between India and Pakistan. Now the Pakistan Tennis Federation has been given the clearance to hire Indian coach Beerbul Wadera.
 
 PTF President Syed Kaleem Imam confirmed that the Ministry of Sports and Interior Ministry had given the go ahead to the appointment. He said: “We have been issued a No Objection Certificate from the Interior Ministry so now we will be in touch with Wadera to work out details with him. We intend to have the coach hold camps across Pakistan for youngsters and top players."
 
Kaleem also reported the federation was in touch with the government regarding a proposal by Qureshi to play against Bopanna at the Wagah border to send out a message of peace and harmony.

Qureshi has already written a letter to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani requesting him to help organize the ground-breaking peace match. Once the government gave clearance for the match, the federation can set up a tennis court for the exhibition match.

The PTF also announced efforts were being made to invite foreign players to play in Pakistan and invitations had been sent out to China, Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh and other countries of this region to send their players for invitational tournament to be played here in few months' time.
 
Meanwhile, the ministry of sports has also issued NOCs to the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association to send their team for the Asian Championship being held in India from April 23.