KARACHI, Sept 28: Pakistan Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) has taken a wise decision by not sending its players to Doha Asian Games scheduled later this year.

“The step of not sending the team was taken in greater national interest since Pakistanis are nowhere near the international level of the game and stand little chance of meeting the challenge from regional opponents,” president PTTF, S. M. Sibtain, said on Thursday.

The PTTF official said he had already held a discussion on the subject with POA president who appreciated the gesture and assured that the funds set aside for travelling would be diverted for the development of game in the country.

Pakistan secured five bronze medals at the Colombo South Asian Games after the team underwent strenuous training under supervision of Chinese coaches.

Sibtain said Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU) has nominated Pakistan’s Salim Ahmed on the umpires panel for supervising the Games’ ping pong competition. His travel and hospitality expenses would be borne by ATTU.