Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE: (June 14, 2023):-The Sports Board Punjab (SBP) Junior Tennis Championship commenced on Wednesday here at the state-of-the-art Sports Board Punjab Tennis Academy in Nishtar Park, as the Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab, Shahid Zaman inaugurated the event.
The event commenced with Secretary Sports Shahid Zaman himself hit a shot, symbolizing the official start of the tournament. The colorful opening ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed guests, including SBP Head Coach Rashid Malik (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz), players, their families, and devoted tennis enthusiasts, who gathered to support the young talent.
Shahid Zaman said:
"In the financial year 2023, our primary focus is the development of players. We have already enhanced our infrastructure, and now we are committed to nurturing internationally competitive players. These young talents will receive training and guidance from qualified national and international coaches, along with access to top-notch facilities. Additionally, we have planned international tours for our talented players, with the expectation that they will strive hard and bring international glory to Pakistan."
PLTA Secretary Rashid Malik said:
"I am profoundly grateful to Secretary Sports Shahid Zaman, who, being a tennis player and an ardent promoter of the sports, possesses a remarkable vision for sports in general and tennis in particular. His proactive measures will undoubtedly benefit players and contribute to the long-term success of tennis in Pakistan."
The first day of the championship witnessed a total of 20 matches, with all the top players securing comfortable wins and showcasing a high standard of tennis. In the boys' U-18 category, Haider Nadeem defeated Hafiz M Imran 8-1, Yafat Nadeem triumphed over M Sohaan Noor with a score of 8-0, Ahmad outplayed Muhammad Aneek with a final score of 8-1, Ahmad Raza dominated Hanzla Anwar 8-1, and Shaheer Khan defeated Hassan Ali (GC) 8-1.
In the boys' U-16 division, Ibrahim Sufi defeated Ahmad 8-3. In the boys' U-14 category, Awais Zia emerged victorious against Ahmad Khuda Bakhsh with a score of 8-3, while Ibrahim Sufi swept past Syed Ahmad Fareed with a commanding 8-0 win.
In the boys/girls U-12 first round, Awais Zia beat Hassan Alam 6-2, Syed Ahmad Fareed beat Ameen Abdullah 6-2, Aliyan Ali beat Ahmad Khuda Bakhsh 6-3 and Muhammad Muaz beat M Ahsan Bari 6-2. In the boys/girls U-10 first round, Mustafa Zia beat Muhammad Turab 6-0, Ayyan Shahbaz beat Taha Asad 6-1.
