NEW DELHI, October 9 (www.dsclopentennis.com) - Aqeel Khan left for Karachi not just with pleasant memories of India but also the biggest thrill of having won the DSCL-sponsored National tennis title and a lakh rupees to boot.
Quite often, Indians have been accused of being good hosts, just that this time nobody can really grudge the Pakistani winning the title on Saturday as he really worked hard for it. "Delhi is like a second home for me," said Aqeel Khan at the prize distribution function with a real note of appreciation for the city which has seen his tennis career blossom.

Ask an Indian journeyman about his problems, the standard reply would be "Lack of sponsorship and exposure." Pray, if a Pakistani can step on Indian soil or to be more precise Indian courts, and walk away richer in every sense, what stops our own players from gaining?

And when Aqeel promised he would return next year, be sure he means it. As it were, he is talking of more Pakistanis wanting to come to India when the next Satellite is held here in November.

Last year, when Prakash Amritraj came and won the Satellite in the gruelling heat and humidity, it was a clear sign he was ready to rough it out. It is too early to say Aqeel Khan is in the same mould as Prakash but his triumph in New Delhi at ITF events and the Nationals is a reminder to India's own players that there is no use running away from competition.

After all, all those who skipped the Nationals will try and come back in November for the Satellite. Or, will they skip that, too? No, they cannot afford to do that simply because when events are held at home, the natural advantage is with home players. You don't have to worry about falling sick, since staying fit for four weeks is the biggest challenge.

Ask Aqeel Khan about staying fit, he will have a lot to tell. This was the 10th week in a row he was playing tennis, and that, after winning a great five setter last weekend in the Davis Cup against New Zealand. If Aqeel Khan can gain so much from playing in India - be it ITF events or Nationals - surely the Indians can do the same.

Even before the curtain came down on the Nationals, there was a Pakistani lady scribe who happens to be a tennis player wanting to know if she could get into next year National championship. She sounded serious and the organisers are already thinking seriously about accommodating her.

Maybe, after cricket and hockey, tennis is going to be the new vista for strengthening ties between the neighbours. And when that happens, be sure, players stand to gain. Just that one would be happier to see Indians gain more and not just be good hosts.