PESHAWAR: Salim Saifullah Khan, the newly-elected president of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), said on Wednesday that efforts are afoot to bring international tennis to Pakistan.

The PTF chief said he recently met President Mamnoon Hussain, who is also the Patron-in-Chief of the country’s tennis governing body and discussed the tennis affairs in the country and hosting of the Davis Cup.

“Pakistan’s [Asia/Oceania Zone Group II] tie against Kuwait in March next year was to be hosted by Pakistan but the International Tennis Federation (ITF) did not permit the Kuwait Tennis Federation to send its players due to security concerns even though Lahore had been offered as a venue,” he said.

“In view of the short time available to confirm the venue with the ITF, the president was requested to help resolve the matter as international sport has returned to the country with the recently-held SAFF Women’s Football Championship, The Squash Open and the arrival of the Kenyan cricket team to the country.

“The president assured his complete support and hopefully Pakistan will soon see international tennis in the country.”

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2014