davis cup The Indian tennis team, which is touring Pakistan for the first time in almost 60 years, has been provided security like a ‘President of the Nation’ visiting this country. As part of the security plan implemented to make the players feel safe, a bomb disposal squad will check the Islamabad Sports Complex every morning and the Indian team will be under the surveillance of two escort vehicles during the journey. Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) No one wants to compromise on the security aspect. Indian players will mostly be confined to the venue and hotel. However, this situation may be a bit difficult for the players.
Indian team on Pakistan tour for the first time in 60 years
The PTF is following the safety plan approved by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). PTF Secretary General Colonel Gul Rehman told PTI, ‘The Indian team has come to Pakistan after 60 years, so we are taking extra precautions. There are four to five layers of security around the Indian team. As the security manager of this event, I am accompanying him during the visit. The Indian team reached Islamabad on Sunday night, consisting of five players, two physios and two officials of the All India Tennis Association (AITA).
Surveillance from 10,000 cameras
Rahman said, ‘Escort vehicles stay with the team during the journey. Teams enter the hotel through the VVIP entrance, which is reserved for heads of state. The bomb disposal squad will thoroughly check the venue every morning and no one will be allowed to enter the venue. This process will continue throughout the match. He said, ‘Islamabad is one of the safest cities in Asia. As the general elections are approaching, security is already tight. There is continuous aerial surveillance going on here, about 10,000 cameras are installed in the city. There will be no compromise on the safety of Indian players. Teams of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Islamabad Police, Traffic Police and others are cooperating in this work.
It’s an honor to host India
Rehman said, ‘Hosting the Indian team is an honor not only for PTF but also for Pakistan. We believe in sports diplomacy. Akil Khan, one of the best tennis players of Pakistan, said that if the Indian team is comfortable then it should tour the city. “If they can’t go out and see the city, go to restaurants,” he said. I would like to take them for dinner. He has asked for perfect security and hence such arrangements have been made. It now depends on the Indian players.
Indian team is satisfied with security
Although the Indian team is largely certain about security, it is clear that the players will remain alert. An Indian player said, ‘We are here for the first time. Yes, there are some things that run through your mind. We have only heard things about Pakistan, so an image has been formed. It is too early to say anything about the situation in Pakistan. Give us two days’ time.
Maximum 500 spectators allowed to enter
Pakistan chose the grass court to play to its strengths but the host team will not be able to take full advantage of the home conditions as only a maximum of 500 fans will be allowed to watch the match. Pakistan’s veteran player Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi said that it is difficult. The ITF does not allow us to host too many guests or spectators due to security reasons. This is something we have to accept.