Malik lauds CM Punjab’s sports vision, says tennis needs cricket-like support

LAHORE  –  Punjab Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA) Senior Executive Vice President Rashid Malik has lauded Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her forward-looking vision to uplift sports across the province, especially through grassroots initiatives. 

Malik (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz) praised the ongoing summer sports camps organised by the Sports Board Punjab (SBP) at the State-of-the-Art Punjab International Tennis Academy, terming them ‘a professionally executed step towards a brighter sporting future’.He also expressed admiration for the involvement of top-tier coaches and world-class facilities. “Our children are truly fortunate to receive world-class training from the finest coaches in the country, within an environment that mirrors international standards. These are the very foundations upon which future champions are built.”

Malik added:”Full credit goes to Punjab Sports Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Secretary Sports Punjab Muzaffar Khan Sial, Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Khizer Afzaal, and the entire team of Sports Board Punjab for launching the summer camp initiatives that are playing a pivotal role in promoting sports among the youth and laying the groundwork for future success in Punjab’s sporting landscape.”

Malik emphasized the importance of focusing on grassroots development to ensure Punjab continues producing athletes who shine at the national and international levels. He credited past success to strong leadership, saying:“During Mian Nawaz Sharif and Mian Shehbaz Sharif’s tenures as Chief Ministers, I witnessed one of the best periods for sports development. With Maryam Nawaz now leading the province, I am hopeful for similar and even better outcomes.” He further shared his ambition to bring international tennis events to Lahore and promote the sport to the level of cricket in terms of popularity and infrastructure.“Punjab has consistently produced top tennis players over the past few decades, and a new generation of talented juniors is ready to take the torch forward. What we need now is sustained government investment in sports.”

Malik concluded by calling on the Punjab government to allocate more resources to sports development. “Pakistan is full of gifted young athletes. All they need is opportunity, exposure, and support. Investing in them is investing in our national pride.”

Former PTF Secretary Col (R) Asif Dar praised the passion and dedication of young tennis players, encouraging them to dream big, work tirelessly, and remain consistent, as these are the qualities, he described as, the key ingredients for earning international glories for Pakistan.

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