Jahangir Khanzada plays first shot at newly built Tennis Complex

Lahore : Provincial Sports Minister Jahangir Khanzada inaugurated the first ever Sports Board Punjab Tennis Academy at the newly-constructed state of the art Tennis Complex here at Nishtar Park on Wednesday.

Secretary Sports Punjab Muhammad Aamir jan, Director Sports Anis Sheikh, Deputy Director Mohammad Hafeez Bhatti, Secretary Punjab Lawn Tennis Association Rasheed Malik and a large number of junior tennis players witnessed the complex and the academy come into operation.

While addressing audience the minister felt proud for the province to have such an international standard complex and the tennis academy in the sporting vicinity of the city.

He said that this tennis academy will produce international players who will raise the country’s flag sky high. “Pakistan has great number of talented tennis players who will be nurtured to the world level here. It is part of the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shehbaz Sharif to have every sporting facility in the province and we will not sit idle before our goals are achieved,” he maintained.

The Minster stated that similar development work is being carried out at various parts of the province. He continued that membership of Punjab International Swimming pool is underway and soon the squash complex construction will be initiated. He said that grounds are being developed and gymnasiums are also being constructed.

Besides Cricket development, we are also working for the development of other sports,” he added. “Sports is a weapon which develops the nation and add pride in its ranks,” he maintained.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Sports Punjab Muhammad Aamir Jan said it’s a day to rejoice because first tennis academy of Punjab has started. “The tennis complex that cost Rs 200 million is the best in Asia and would soon start producing world class players,” he added.

He informed that Chief Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif has allocated special funds for the development of sports and SBP is working day in and day out for the promotion of sports in the province.

Former Davis Cupper Rashid Malik on his part stated that this complex one of the best tennis stadiums of Asia and he hoped that soon it will be hosting international tournaments.

He also admired the Chief Minister Punjab, Sports Minister and Secretary Sports for the development of the fantastic tennis complex.