ISLAMABAD - Argentinean Ambassador Rodolfo J Martin Saravia has said that Argentina is ready to help Pakistan come out of international sporting isolation in best possible way.
In an exclusive interview with The Nation on Monday, Rodolfo said: “There is wrong and negative perception in the west regarding law and order situation in Pakistan. I hope and pray Pakistan soon come out of that dark era and international sports start thick and fast here.”
“I have completed almost 10 years in Pakistan and I love this country and want to see Pakistan hosting international events sooner rather than later. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with former Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Mir Zafar Ullah Khan Jamali and have offered our all-out support to the federation which was willing to host eight-nation hockey event in Lahore, but all the participating teams vanished one after another, sighting so-called security concerns. I offered them to invite Argentina and other nations and instead organise a four-nation event. Jamali traveled to Geneva and held meeting with the FIH, but the international body refused to grant permission to organise event in Pakistan. I don't know why they didn't contact me, as I had promised them to help out Pakistan in best possible way,” he added.
The ambassador further said that he was still committed to help the country, if they came up with an idea of playing a bilateral series. “I will try to persuade my government and try to narrate the negative propaganda. The situation is not as bad, as it is portrayed in the west and if our team is in the region, it will be much easier to persuade players to travel to Pakistan. But it is my promise I will do whatever I can to help the country come out of international sporting isolation,” he asserted.
When this scribe asked Rodolfo whether he would help Pakistan tennis players by inviting them to Argentina, he replied: “I can't commit that but off course, it is a very good idea and we can invite grassroots level players and Pakistan's top players to attend clinic and witness facilities our players have been enjoying. I will work on that proposal and hopefully this idea may work as we have great tennis players, who can help Pakistani counterparts in best possible way.”
“I love tennis and will sponsor a female tennis event in Islamabad. I want to see that game promoted at grassroots level and I also wish Pakistan tennis team best of luck for their Davis Cup tie against Vietnam and hope they will return as victorious,” Rodolfo concluded.