KARACHI, Nov 6: Pawan Jain and Naresh Khatri, the two Indians competing in the ongoing 17th Pakistan international seniors’ tennis championship, have called for visa relaxation and more bilateral exchanges of sporting teams between Pakistan and India.

“It’s great that we are here for the first time and feeling at home,” Jain and Khatri, who arrived the other day, told Dawn at Karachi Gymkhana.

They said the sportspersons of the two nations were eager to travel across the border and added that frequent visits of teams will help raise their standard.

Analysing, they said it’s economical to undertake visit of either country as compared to Europe and there’s no language barrier.

“There’s no fear in travelling to Pakistan which has been isolated after the bus carrying Sri Lankan cricket team was targeted near Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore in 2009 leaving at least seven sleuths dead, they added.

According to them, “the environment here is conducive for the foreign teams.”

Referring to the game, the Indians said the standard of senior tennis in Pakistan was high but they need match practice and more participation abroad.

They were of the opinion that the celebrated pair of Aisam-ul-Haq and Rohan Bopanna which has send positive signals globally should re-unite again for improving the cordial relations between Pakistan and India.