KOLKATA (India): Former India Davis Cup coach Akhtar Ali died on Sunday due to multiple health issues.
Akhtar, father of India’s current Davis Cup coach Zeeshan, was 83 and breathed his last here.
The 83-year-old, whose coaching style emphasised on playing aggressive serve and volley game, shaped many careers, including that of the legendary Leander Paes apart from his own son.
His coaching also influenced Vijay Amritraj and Ramesh Krishnan.
“Akhtar Ali was terrific as a coach both when I was a junior as well as coach of our India Davis Cup team. Always pushed hard n kept the team relaxed. He did great service to Indian Tennis. RIP dear Aktar. Sincere condolences to Zeeshan n his lovely family,” Vijay tweeted.
Akhtar played eight Davis Cup ties between 1958 and 1964 and also captained and coached the Indian team.
