ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) patron Senator Syed Dilawar Abbas Wednesday said that Pakistan would host four-nation tennis championship by the end of March involving arch-rivals India, Sri Lanka, Iran and hosts Pakistan.
Talking to The Nation, Dilawar, who is also Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) vice president, said: “ATF president Anil Khanna has verbally agreed to the proposal, while it will be finalised during the ATF Finance and Admin committee meeting under my chair, which will be held by the end of this month in Hong Kong.”  He said that each team would include three male and two female players. “It will be senior level event set to be held in Islamabad and will provide great opportunity to our players to play alongside top international players and will also signal the return of the international tennis in the country.”
“I must appreciate ATF president Anil Khanna for lending all-out support to Pakistan tennis. He is very cooperative and very serious about helping out the country in such hard times.”
When this scribe drew Dilawar’s attention towards sorry state of female tennis in Pakistan, he said: “Female players are not being produced on regular basis. Kaleem Imam is working very hard on arranging different events, but physical presence is very important to run the federations. Captain should lead from the front and if he is stationed in Pakistan, he can do more for the tennis and especially players. Tennis is my passion and I have played cricket and squash during my younger days, but I decided to project tennis to the best of my abilities.”
“Personal contacts play important role when it comes to dealing with international bodies. I have traveled to a number of destinations and enjoy cordial relations with different international federations and bodies. I have in the past offered my services to the PTF and my offer still stands. If they want to utilize my contacts in reviving international tennis in Pakistan, I will love to play my due role in this regard,” the PTF patron added.  When this scribe asked Dilawar whether he is ready to contest next PTF elections, which are due this year, he replied: “If affiliated units support me keeping in mind my tireless efforts and commitment for this sport, I am ready to contest the elections. But it's too early to say anything.” To a query regarding three-term restrictions on holding of office, Dilawar said: “It depends, if someone is doing exceptional work, then he or she should carry on the good work regardless of term restriction, but I personally support this policy,” Dilawar concluded.