Bopanna, Qureshi can play together; why can't Ind, Pak: Gill

Sep 09, 2010 |

New Delhi

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Congratulating Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi for reaching the US Open men's doubles final, sports minister M.S. Gill on Thursday said the pair's success should lead to better sporting ties between India and Pakistan.

"I have one question for everyone. If Bopanna and Qureshi can play together, why cannot India and Pakistan?" he asked after congratulating the duo for reaching the finals of the season's last Grand Slam in New York.

Bopanna and Qureshi beat Argentines Eduardo Schwank and Horacio Zeballos 7-6 (5) 6-4 in the semifinals last night to set up a clash with top seeded American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan.

Gill said Bopanna and Qureshi, nicknamed the “Indo-Pak Express”, have shown great understanding on court to achieve success. "I have been following the Bopanna-Qureshi combination in tennis doubles. They combine very well, have total understanding and are top doubles players in the world. Now they are in US Open finals and I pray for their win," he said in a congratulatory message.

"I am confident that would achieve the sub-continent dream finally," he added.

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