Pakistani, Indian fans taste success across each other’s borders

Sporting links between India and Pakistan have hit a new high with achievements that were unthinkable just months ago – winning national titles across each other’s borders.

Pakistani tennis player Aqeel Khan clinched India’s national championship here at the weekend while Indian woman golfer Shruti Khanna did the same in Lahore on Monday.

The pair achieved the rare successes with all eyes were on an eight-match field hockey series between the arch rival nations. ‘It was always a dream to play on the Indian circuit,’ Aqeel said after beating India’s Vinod Sridhar in the final. ‘It is a special feeling and I thank officials here for inviting me.

‘Winning here is as good as winning any international title,’ said the Pakistani Davis Cup player, who also played in International Tennis Federation tournaments in India earlier this year. Things were little different for Khanna, who had been looking for opportunities to play abroad.
‘Playing at home is a different thing and participating in big international events altogether different…