Khyber Pukhtunkhwa's National level tennis event after 15 years

Khyber Pukhtunkhwa is to organise a national level tennis tournament

after more than 15 years, from May 14-20 with a prize money of Rs0.5 million, which will make it another ‘alive’ unit of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF). President Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Tennis Association (KPTA) Dr Mohammad Tahir, who is a plastic surgeon by profession, told ‘The News’ that they would make it a regular event from. Asked why this unit of PTF had suddenly risen from slumber after decades, he said it had happened because of strong support from the Chief Minister of the province and their sports directorate. “Besides the CM, we are getting full support from Aqil Shah of our provincial sports directorate, and support means total financial commitment,” he added. He further said that this tournament would have competitions of singles, U14 and U18 doubles, and veterans. However, there will be no women events because of the conservative culture in KP. “We have requested the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to send their girls team because we have not received direct entries from girls of our province,” said Mohammad Tahir. “We are focusing on grooming our players of under-14 and under-18 categories, and we have been providing them with playing opportunities besides arranging regular camps the whole year,” said the president who got elected in December 2010. He further said that his association would build six courts (three hard and three grass) at Pakistan Tennis Club, which is the only club in Pakistan that was inaugurated by the founder of the country Mohammad Ali Jinnah in 1948. “This is again to be done with the help of the provincial sports directorate because it involves huge finances, above Rs 10 million. This will be completed in different phases,” he added. The president KPTA said that they would erect a covered court for ladies there, and since it was a public place they would also build 30 rooms. “The construction work will be started before June this year,” he said. It may be noted here that out of 14 units of PTF some 10 have been dormant for a long time, so this initiative of KPTA is highly encouraging as this will not only provide their players with national exposure but also help them represent the country at international levels in near future.