Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar has inaugurated five modern padel tennis courts by cutting a ribbon at the Nishtar Park Sports Complex (NPSC) here on Thursday.
Secretary Sports Punjab Fazal-ur-Rehman, Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi, Sports Coordinator Malik Anoosh Khokhar, President Punjab Padel Tennis Association Mansoor Ali Khan, Juggun Kazim and other officials were also present the largely attended inaugural ceremony.
Following the inauguration, Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar also played ceremonial padel tennis at the modern padel tennis court, officially marking the commencement of sports activities at the newly established facility.
While talking to media on the occasion, Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that the sports infrastructure across Punjab is being upgraded in line with modern requirements. “The establishment of modern padel tennis courts is an important milestone for the promotion and development of the sport in Punjab”.
Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that out of the five padel tennis courts, one has been developed according to international standards and will also be available for hosting international-level padel tennis competitions in the future. “The remaining four courts will be available for national competitions, players’ training and practice sessions”.
Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that approximately Rs 120 million had been spent on the construction and development of the modern padel tennis courts. “Dedicated seating areas, washrooms and other essential facilities have also been provided for the convenience of players and visitors”.
Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that the Punjab government is not limiting its focus to traditional sports alone; rather, equal attention is being given to the promotion of modern and emerging sports. “Padel tennis is rapidly gaining popularity among young people, and the provision of modern facilities will create better opportunities for the youth of Punjab to excel in the sport”.
Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar further said that the usage rates for the padel tennis courts are being kept highly affordable so that maximum number of young people, students, players and members of the general public can benefit from the facility. “The government’s objective is to make modern sports facilities accessible to the public and encourage the youth towards healthy and constructive activities”.
Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar announced that after Lahore, padel tennis courts will soon be established in Sialkot as well. “Punjab Sports Department is also exploring the provision of similar facilities in other cities of Punjab to further expand and promote the sport across the province”.
Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that the government’s vision is to ensure that the youth of Punjab have access to world-class sports facilities in their own cities, enabling talented players to compete at national and international levels and bring pride to Pakistan. “The Punjab government is taking a number of practical steps to promote sports, develop modern sports infrastructure and provide maximum opportunities to the youth”.