ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has requested the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to take measures in connection with promotion of tennis in Pakistan instead of objecting to its plan of holding two allocated junior features in September this year here in Islamabad.

Through a letter PTF president Dr Syed Kaleem Imam has addressed Ricci Bitti of the ITF that security restrictions have already caused immense damage to Pakistani tennis as players and tennis lovers are not getting opportunity to play and see international tennis here.

“ITF Pakistan International Junior Championship-I and ITF Pakistan Junior championship-II TBC allocated as per ITF calendar may kindly be allowed and not cancelled due to security reasons. We guarantee to provide highest possible security and safety to all players,” read the letter.

Talking to Dawn, Kaleem said that he wrote a letter to Mr Bitti last week informing him that situation in Pakistan has improved many folds and Islamabad is a safe city by all means with five stars hotel and related facilities.

The letter available with Dawn said that Islamabad is a city which is being resided by the prime minister, president, diplomats and other international dignitaries.

“It [Islamabad] has key national assets and is hence pretty protected. Various international sports are now held regularly. We promise to provide VVIP security to juniors intended to come this September…,” said the letter. Kaleem said that he is yet to receive reply from the ITF.

“I also asked them please guide us in case you don’t not allow us? Should we go for neutral venue for holding allocated ITF features?” Kaleem asked.

Meanwhile, he said that through another letter he sought ITF help about players’ entry into ITF tennis being organised around the world.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2014