By Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD (March 14, 2020):-President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Salim Saifullah Khan on Saturday announced cash award for the national tennis team that won the Davis Cup Tennis Tie against Slovenia 3-0 last week at the grass courts of Pakistan Sports Complex.
According to an official of PTF, federation will be rewarding Aisam Qureshi with $5,000, Aqeel Khan $3,000, and $1,000 each to the other team members, Muzammil Murtaza, Mohammad Abid and Heera Ashiq, as well as the non-playing Captain, Mushaf Zia.
President PTF said, “With our international star Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, and nationally ranked number 1 player Aqeel Khan, having literally clinched the tie between them, with a singles win each, and pairing to be victorious in the doubles”.
In his announcement message Salim further said: "It's a matter of great delight and pride for me, the PTF, and surely the whole nation, on the win and the manner in which Aisam and Aqeel snatched victory from players with much higher world rankings, “he said.
Adding, he said "I must take this opportunity to remind the government to appreciate the huge importance of a victory against the European country, something that totally surprised the international tennis community. The government must urgently attend to the matter and give the team much deserved cash rewards. Athletes that keep our flag flying high must be recognized at all levels, to keep their morale high and to continue their efforts to train even harder."
In the draws held on Friday by the ITF, Pakistan will now host Japan, in another home tie, in September this year.
