Tue, Oct 26 10 10:28 PM
Karachi, Oct 26 (PTI) A security consultant of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has visited Pakistan to inspect the security situation in the country, reigniting hopes of the strife-torn nation hosting international events. Ian Todd, a top security consultant was in Lahore this week to meet with PTF and security officials and also visited some venues. "He came down to inspect some venues and get an overall picture of the security conditions in the country. The fact that the ITF has sent a security expert indicates they are looking at having international events in Pakistan," Rao Iftikhar, the secretary of the Punjab Tennis Association said. He said Todd had visited tennis centres in Lahore which was a main venue for hosting international events. "Pakistan tennis has suffered a lot because of the fact that the ITF has moved away several Davis Cup ties that were to be held in Pakistan," he said. "We have asked the ITF to look into this issue because we can''t afford to not host international events for long now. It is necessary for the promotion of the sport in Pakistan," he said. Todd also met with the Pakistan Tennis Federation President Dilawar Abbas who said Pakistan was hopeful of hosting ties soon. Tennis is a fast growing sport in Pakistan after the exploits of Aisam-ul-Haq and after Indian star, Sania Mirza got married to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Maliik. There has been growing interest in tennis after Aisam teamed up with India''s Rohan Bopanna to do well on the international circuit doubles events. Aisam became a household name after he reached the finals of the men''s double in the grand slam US Open. The ITF has since last year moved away Pakistan''s ''home'' Davis Cup Asia-Oceania group two ties against Oman, Phillipines, Hong Kong and New Zealand to neutral venues and these countries. The ITF shifted the ties after security concerns expressed by Pakistan''s opponents over the scheduling of their matches in Lahore and Islamabad. In July this year, Pakistan was forced to go and play in New Zealand after the Kiwis refused to play in Pakistan. The PTF has also filed a compensation claim with the ITF for USD 100,000 for the ties being shifted from Pakistan and Abbas said that case was also under consideration by the ITF. PTI Cor ATK
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