First Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Tennis League Championship 2022 will commence from19th of this month at Islamabad Tennis Complex.
This was announced by former Pakistan Davis Cup coach and Managing Director Islamabad Tennis Complex Subhan Ahmad. While talking to 24Digital Thursday, Subhan said after the successful conduct of local league organised by Khadeja Laghari, a former tennis player and mother of two kids, who both were excellent tennis players, the basic aim of starting the league is to provide a platform to youngsters so they could serve Pakistan tennis.
“Aisam and Aqeel had served for more than two decades, but now is the time to get more players of top level, just like Muhammad Muzammil, who is also a product of ITC and coached by Kamran Khalil, Level-III coach.”
Subhan further said this league will provide youngsters between the age group of 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 a platform where they not only polish their skills but also enhance their game and they will also be looked after by the Islamabad Tennis Complex Benzair Tennis Academy where they are already taking care of 30 boy's and girls', who can't afford to bear expenses.
“We are also working on specially abled kids as well and a three days a week camp is being organized for them free of cost under the watchful eyes of Kamran, Khurseed, Usman and Shahid."
He said they are highly grateful to Senator Taj Haider, who always remained instrumental in helping the needy.
“It was his tireless efforts and support, which enabled us to conduct Shaheed Benazir Bhutto National Ranking Tennis Championship for last 7 years consecutively and years international players also participated in the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Ranking Championship from last two editions. We had requested Taj Hadier to start an academy for the needy and he immediately accepted and promised to provide the best possible help, which he did actively. The specially abled programme is being run by ENGRO. I requested KPT Chairman Nadir Warriach to help in starting a league for young kids both boys and girls. Nadir was very positive and without any hesitation, he sanctioned sizable amount, which will help us to start two-day league on 19th and 20th this month at ITC.”
While sharing his views, Pakistan's former national junior tennis champion and Level-III coach Kamran Khalil said: "There was a time top national player Muhammad Muzammil was struggling to continue tennis. ITC MD stepped in and save the career of Muzammil by not only providing him tennis playing facilities but also residence and other financial help was also extended and look at Muzammil now, he had started to payback by winning national titles and also represented Pakistan Davis Cup teams. Same is our objective to get fresh talent and we will continue to organize leagues for kids and also for up and coming players. Around 50 boys and girls had sent entries for the KPT Tennis League and we are expecting the number to touch 100 by the time matches start.”