ISLAMABAD, Dec 20: The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) on Monday honoured its Davis Cup team that defeated New Zealand at home to keep the country in Asia Oceania Zone Group I.

All members of the team, including non-playing captain Rashid Malik were presented medals and cash prizes by Federal Minister for Sports, Muhammad Ajmal Khan. Aqeel Khan and Aisamul Haq, both of whom carved out the 3-2 victory were awarded more than Rs 400,000 each while Asim Shafik and Nomi Qamar were given Rs 200,000 apiece. The captain on the other hand became richer by Rs 250,000.

President of the PTF, Syed Dilawar Abbas said that Pakistan today ranked eighth in Asia and it was a position they had achieved through their current team, especially the duo of Aqeel and Aisam.

"They did it before and after the New Zealand tie, they really deserved a pat on the back." Dilawar hoped that Aqeel and Aisam would also do well at next year's Islamic Games and wished them well.

The minister assured the players his all out help in future and said the government, as it had done in the past, would continue to reward them for their outstanding performances. But he noted that Pakistan's sporting graph was going in the "other" direction and there was no improvement being made.