Davis Cup: Indian tennis team in Pakistan for the first time in 60 years, bomb disposal squad will check the stadium daily
The Indian tennis team, which reached Pakistan for the Davis Cup match for the first time in 60 years, has been provided security similar to that of a President visiting this country. A bomb disposal squad will be checking the Islamabad Sports Complex every morning as part of the security plan implemented to make the players feel safe. Not only this, the Indian team will be under the surveillance of two escort vehicles during the journey. The match will be played on 3-4 February.
Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) does not want 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. The PTF is following the safety plan approved by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
PTF General Secretary Gul Rehman said that the Indian team has come to Pakistan after 60 years, hence 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 them during the trip. The Indian team reached Islamabad on Sunday night. The team consists of five players, two physios and two officials of the All India Tennis Association.
Surveillance from 10,000 cameras
Gul Rehman said that escort vehicles are with the team during the journey. The team enters the hotel through the VVIP entrance, which is reserved for heads of state. Bomb disposal squads will check the venue every morning. 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. With general elections approaching, security is already tight. Continuous aerial surveillance is going on here. There are about ten thousand cameras installed in the city. There will be no compromise on the safety of Indian players.
Honor for Pakistan to host India
Gul said that hosting the Indian team is an honor not only for the PTF but also for Pakistan. We believe in sports diplomacy. Akil Khan, one of the best tennis players of Pakistan, said, if the Indian team is comfortable then it should tour the city. If they can’t go out, can’t go into town, go to restaurants. I would like to take them for dinner. He has asked for perfect security. That’s why such arrangements have been made.
