Lahore: Pakistan's most decorated ITF senior tennis player and Sitara-e-Imtiaz recipient, Rashid Ahmad Malik, has praised the Punjab government's efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and promote tennis development. He expressed confidence that the province is poised to emerge as a leading centre for the sport in the region.
Meeting with Sports Officials
Malik made these remarks during a meeting with Secretary Sports Punjab Fazal-ur-Rehman, held in the presence of Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi. He commended the strategic vision of the Punjab government, particularly initiatives aimed at enhancing facilities, nurturing young talent, and creating greater opportunities for athletes to compete at national and international levels.
International-Standard Facilities
Highlighting the state-of-the-art facilities available at Sports Board Punjab venues, Malik noted that the province now possesses international-standard tennis infrastructure capable of hosting prestigious tournaments and high-performance training programmes. He added that, in line with previous traditions, both ITF senior and junior events would continue to be organised in Punjab, providing valuable exposure to local players.
“The upgraded facilities will not only help stage international competitions but will also serve as training centres for national players and emerging talent,” Malik said. “These developments reflect the commitment of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to elevate sports across Punjab and create a sustainable pathway for future champions.”
Appreciation for Officials
Malik also acknowledged the contributions of Punjab Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Secretary Sports Punjab Fazal-ur-Rehman, and DG Sports Punjab M Tariq Qureshi, commending their collective efforts to improve the sporting landscape and expand opportunities for athletes.
Upcoming ITF Junior Tournament
Malik revealed that the PLTA, in collaboration with Sports Board Punjab, is planning to host an ITF Junior Tennis Tournament at the Nishtar Park Tennis Complex. The event is expected to attract international participation and further strengthen Pakistan’s standing on the global tennis calendar.
Gratitude to Leadership
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Malik appreciated the allocation of funds for the renovation and modernisation of tennis courts at Nishtar Park Sports Complex. He expressed hope that these initiatives would soon yield positive results, enabling local players to excel not only at the national level but also on the international stage.
