Shoaib, Sania finally land in Pakistan

KARACHI: The newly-wed couple of Pakistan-India sportspersons finally landed in Pakistan’s soil Thursday when cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis queen Sania Mirza (now Sania Shoaib) arrived at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport at 1530 PST via PIA’s flight PK-275.

A huge number of media persons were awaiting the couple to come out of the lounge and speak to them. Although, the couple left for Islamabad soon after, but they spoke to the media persons during which Sania Mirza looked a little tired of the travelling while Shoaib Malik was looking fresh and was receiving greetings from his fans.

Sania Mirza said on the occasion that she is feeling so great to visit Pakistan for the first time in her life. Sania’s mother also accompanied the couple.

Government of Sindh’s officials also presented flowers to the couple while Sindh Sports Minister, Dr Mohammad Ali Shah presented Malik with the Sindhi Topi and Sania with the Sindhi Ajrak. Pakistan International Airlines also gave a reception in the honour of the couple during their short stay at the Jinnah International Airport.

Shoaib Malik said on the occasion that they will stay in Pakistan for at least a week and then they will leave for Dubai.

Government of Pakistan have given the couple status of Guests of the State and booked a suit in a 5-star hotel in Islamabad.

The Pakistan-India sportspersons’ reception will be held in Shoaib Malik’s hometown, Sialkot, on April 25 (Sunday) while the Valima ceremony would be held in a 5-star hotel of Lahore on April 27 (Tuesday).

The couple would also call on President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani during their stay in Pakistan.

Pakistan tennis community hopeful of help from Sania Mirza

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tennis Federation is thinking of utilising the services of Sania Mirza as a coach when she comes to Pakistan after her wedding with Shoaib Malik.

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik is set to marry Indian tennis star Sania Mirza in April.

“We would love to have the services of Sania Mirza as a female tennis coach,” secretary of the PTF, Rashid Khan, told Dawn on Wednesday.

The PTF official added: “Sania will be of great help for Pakistan’s emerging female tennis players as she has the international exposure and experience.”

Rashid added that he was not aware whether the legendary tennis player would stay in Pakistan or not, however, “Sania’s stay in Pakistan alone would be an encouraging sign for female players.”

Answering a question, he said: “According to the International Tennis Federation rules, Sania can only play for Pakistan if she doesn’t make appearance from the Indian side on the international circuit for two consecutive years.”

Meanwhile, Sara Mansoor, Pakistan No.1 tennis player, said that Sania can bring a change in country’s female tennis circuit.

She said: “We only have Aisam-ul-Haq as a better rated international tennis player. However, if Sania starts coaching us it will improve our international ranking.”

Sara, ranked No.3 in the national circuit, pointed out that Sania’s presence alone at the tennis court would make a huge difference and “it will be morale boosting sign for several female players.”

Around 32 female players are currently featuring in the national tennis circuit.

Sara insisted: “Sania has now become a source of inspiration especially for Pakistani girls while her wedding with Shoaib Malik will increase an interest in game.”

The emerging tennis player said: “We need celebrities like Sania in Pakistan as their presence will make a difference for future players who are striving to mark their name in the international sports arena.”