Bopanna, Qureshi want tennis match on Indo-Pak border

New York: Their message of peace being applauded as much as their on-court exploits, India`s Rohan Bopanna and his Pakistani partner Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi hope to

see the players from two countries facing off in a tennis match on the border. Bopanna and Qureshi have entered the US Open finals and were cheered by the United Nations ambassadors from their countries during the 7-6 (5), 6-4 semifinal win over Argentines Eduardo Schwank and Horacio Zeballos. "We knew, to do well in the big events was the only way to pass on that message. So obviously, for them coming here and watching us play, it`s a big step for us. Hopefully with that, and, you know, both our countries agreeing we can have that match up on that border," Bopanna said. Qureshi too was elated to see the two ambassadors -- Harpreet Suri (India) and Abdullah H Haroon (Pakistan) -- applauding him and Bopanna as they inched closer to their maiden Grand Slam title together. "Obviously it just feels like that us doing well, on the bigger circuit and the bigger level is getting the message across throughout the world and among all the Pakistanis and Indians.” "If me and Rohan can get along so well on and off the court, there`s no reason the Indians and Pakistanis can`t get along with each other. We just saw the both ambassadors today sitting together. It was really good," he added. Asked what they discussed with the ambassadors after the match, Qureshi said the two have promised to be back for the finals tomorrow. "To us they were very encouraging. They just said what we are doing is a great thing together, and they both are on our side. They actually said also they`re coming and watching the finals as well for us, so that`s a great thing, I think," he said. "I`m just very, very happy and proud to be a part of it. You know, the `Indo-Pak Express`, I`m just happy I`m on the Indo Pak Express. You know, it`s really good we`re getting all the wins, and we`re somehow bringing the people of both nations together," he added. Bopanna said he was glad that his pairing with Qureshi was being appreciated by people on both sides of the border. "We are not looking into any political part or anything to do with whatever is happening. We`re just trying to see -- you know, trying to promote -- you know, if like even two per cent or three per cent of people change their minds of saying, you know, if we both can get along why can`t they, as well," he said. "I would have to say today was a small step towards it. You know, we always said sports can reach places where no religion or politics or politician can reach. I think it`s above all the religion and politics," added Qureshi. PTI