ISLAMABAD: Following Pakistani shooters being denied Indian visas to participate at the ISSF World Cup in Delhi, the participation of Pakistan in the Junior Davis Cup also looms in jeopardy for the event in India from April 8 to 15.

National Development Director of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), Asim Shafik, said they have received a letter from our Indian counterpart for participation in the mega event but have not been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) yet, which was required to apply for visas.

“The Indian Tennis Federation will seek NOC for the Pakistan players from their government and if we are granted NOC we will advance to the event,” he said.

Asim hoped the Indian government grants NOC to Pakistani tennis players saying India has gone low after the IOC took a strong stand against them on the Pakistani shooters’ matter.

After India denied visas to Pakistan shooters, the IOC advised all global sports bodies not to hold events there until they receive written assurances from the Indian government that participants from all nations will be guaranteed entry.

“We have our fingers-crossed and let’s see what happens. We have to depart India on April 7 for the Jr Davis Cup and even if we get visas on April 6 we can proceed for the tournament,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2019