2 countries conspiring to block S Asian Games in Pakistan

By Asghar Ali Mubarak

Islamabad: Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President Senator Saleem Saifullah Khan has revealed that the two countries are trying to deprive Pakistan from hosting the 14th edition of the South Asian Games.
According to reports, Senator Saleem said that Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are trying to take the hosting rights from Pakistan.
“We have responded both the countries that we will not lose the opportunity to host the event,” he said.
“The South Asian Games are scheduled at the end of this year. Pakistan is one of the six best teams in Asia. Pakistan will host only one Davis Cup tie-loser in March,” he added.
He asked how can Pakistan be compared to other countries in hosting the events. “Turkey receives one million euros annually for the restoration of tennis while one million dollars is spent on tournaments in Thailand.”
“There has been a lack of funds for the last two years, which has prevented us from holding more events,” he maintained.