Pakistan, 29-May, 2011-: Indian coach Birbal Wadhera has urged the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) to hold separate camps for players belonging to different age-groups in order to make it easy for coaches to spot and groom talent.
Wadhera started a 35-day camp in Islamabad on May 8, for players from all age-groups. He was hired by the PTF to train the country’s top five women and under-18 players. However, he ended up coaching seniors that included Davis Cup players in the first phase . Following the completion of the first phase of the camp, he felt that lack of tennis at the grass-root level was the biggest problem. “It’s very important to have specified camps where small groups are trained,” Wadhera. “The biggest issue is lack of tennis at grass-root levels. A coach can only spot talented players in a small group.
“If the PTF wants players who can compete on the international level, they need to concentrate on players aged 12 and above who can be sent abroad and can pursue a career in tennis
Wadhera have been provided ATS commandos when travelling outside venue and one constable of police is always outside his room.
I am thankful to govt of Pakistan and PTF for giving me security and making my stay comfortable said Wadhera
Wadhera has been approached by Karachi and Peshawar sports minister to conduct similar camp but Birbal decided to stick with the original planes of camp. Though wadhera would be spending last two days in Lahore to promote tennis before returning home on 8th of June.