Both Vaqas Ahmed and Ahmed Ali Shah who were having a feel of the green and fairways today are representing Pakistan in the Amateur Golf Championship of India, which is slated to be held here from March 28. India and Sri Lanka are the others two teams in the fray. They will also play an International match at the same venue.

``The course is tough,'' said 19-year-old Ahmed Ali, who is based in Quetta. But that doesn't daunt the teenager, whose first love in golf. Infact, it is a family sport. His grandfather is 94, and still hangs around the course while his father Mohammad Ali Shah is a national coach. ``Every one in my family, including my relatives play golf,'' puts in Ali, who was member of the victorious Pakistan team in the 14th Bangladesh Amateur championship held recently at Dhaka.

However, Vaqas, who represented his country in the 13th Asian Games held in December last, is playing golf for the past seven years. ``I enjoy playing the game,'' said Vaqas, a second year student.

Though, the golfers are from across the border and follow different religion and custom, they are great admirers of the Indian Bollywood stars. ``I see all Hindi movies. And my favourite hero is Sharuk Khan,'' said Ali, who is a second year student. Vaqas is also fan of the Indian singers. ``I love old Hindi songs.'' The Rawalpindi based golfer also likes to see Hindi movies.

The golfers, however, are of the opinion that with the opening of the border (Wagah), the relation between the two countries will improve. ``Apart from trade, it will strengthen the bond between the people from both the sides,''felt Ali. Vaqas was also optimistic that the free movement will ease the tension between the two sides. ``It is betterment for the people of both the countries.''

Due to religious predominated society, there is less freedom for women in Pakistan. Thus less female take up sports there. But things are gradually changing. ``Young girls have started taking part in some sports,'' said Vaqas.