Tennis federation signs deal with Movenpick Hotel for Billie Jean King Cup

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tennis Federation and Movenpick Hotel Islamabad have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation for holding the Billie Jean King Cup in Pakistan and promoting sport.

Pakistan Tennis Federation President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and the hotel’s General Manager, Nicolas Verdin, signed the memorandum.

A shirt belonging to world-famous tennis star Rafael Nadal and a bat of the national cricket team will be offered for auction to raise funds for cancer awareness. A racket of squash great Jahangir Khan and a hockey stick of hockey legend Shahbaz Senior will also be part of the campaign. The aim of these steps is to promote welfare activities through sport.

Eight teams to come to Pakistan

Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi said that holding the Billie Jean King Cup was an important opportunity for the country. Eight teams will come to Pakistan to take part, while the draw for the event will be held on 20 October.

According to him, World Tennis has expressed full confidence in Pakistan, which is a positive development for hosting international competitions. He said Pakistan was a suitable country for hosting international sporting events.

A cancer awareness and fundraising campaign will also be run during the event. Its aim is to help those in need and raise awareness among the public.

The federation president further said that Pakistani players would take part in a number of international tournaments before the SAF Games, so that they could get chances to show their skills and gain experience.

Nicolas Verdin pledged all possible support for the promotion of tennis in Pakistan. He said tennis was growing in Pakistan and the arrival of players from different countries was welcome. Welcoming the international players, he said the cooperation would continue.