Visa problem fails to stop Pak shuttlers from playing in ABC

New Delhi: They have no coach, no manager and they were not even sure of touring India till the last moment but these problems failed to deter the six Pakistani shuttlers who are now looking to prove their mettle in the Asian Badminton Championship here. At a time when the relation between India and Pakistan is tensed, Wajid Ali Chaudry, Umer Zeeshan, Rizwan Azam, Kashif Sulchri, Sara Khan and Palwasha Basir from across the border have decided to test their skills against the best from India and the continent in the ABC. "Our visas were delayed and till the last moment we were not sure (of touring India). A few days back, it was cleared but we couldn`t bring our coach and manager as only six people were allowed by the organising committee here and so it was decided that as many shuttlers possible should go," Palwasha said. Wajid, who has toured India several times before, said the problem lies with both the nations and they should make it a point to allow sportsperson to participate in tournaments without creating any complication. "Visa problem is a big issue. Both the governments should understand that we are just sportspersons and playing for our respective nations. Why there should be such a fuss for giving visas to Pakistani players in India and vice versa when other foreigners are easily given the visas," he argued. Rizwan also echoed Wajid`s voice. "Sports and politics are different and they shouldn`t be mixed. If we take the case of the IPL, the way our players were treated it looks like a planned effort, otherwise how can you keep away players from the world champion team outside the IPL scheme of things?" he said. Badminton is not a huge sport in Pakistan and for that these Pakistani shuttlers pursuing the game is a challenge in itself. "We don`t have as many academies as you have in India. There is a huge craze for cricket and media also covers more cricket. Badminton is little behind the curtains in Pakistan and so it is more of an individual fight to train and keep the passion alive," said Palwasha, who idolises Lin Dan and Taufik Hidayat. "There are around 4-5 ranking tournaments in the country in a year. Before the ABC there was a trail of top eight shuttlers.” "International tournaments have come to a standstill. It was around two years that the last tournament was hosted in Pakistan and now it won`t be safe also," she added. Asked how difficult it was for a girl to pursue badminton in Pakistan, the Karachi-based shuttler said, "It is not that difficult. We are not conservative. It is a mental perception that the world has that we are very conservative. "Yes, dress code is an issue for the religion but otherwise it is quite open. I am fine playing in track pants." With India`s tennis star Sania Mirza and Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik tying the knot, a new bonding is ushering in between the two nations and the shuttlers feel it is a good news for the two country. "It is a good idea, but I think Sania should change her nationality after marriage and settle in Pakistan instead of setting in a neutral country," Pulwasha said. But when asked if she would do the same if she is ever married to an Indian, she burst into a smile and said she was not sure but will make some compromises. Rizwan feels it is just an individual decision and the media shouldn`t go so much ga ga over it. "It is their individual decision. It is good but the media shouldn`t give so much importance to it. There are many other important issues pertaining to the two nations which needs to be discussed," he said. PTI