March 22, 2007	Thursday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 2, 1428

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KARACHI, March 21: The Sindh Tennis Association (STA) on Wednesday named an eight-member men’s and ladies squad for the next month’s 30th National Games being held in the city from April 9 to 14.

The men’s team was picked after a series of trials while the womenfolk earned selection on the basis of their track record, said secretary STA, Khalid Rehmani.

Karachi’s Nasir Mushtaq, a junior international, will spearhead men’s team which includes Saad Baloch, Shabbir Gul (both from Hyderabad) and Mubashir Afridi (Karachi).

The four-member women’s team include two mothers – Farah Khurshid and Naila Khan – in addition to Nida Waseem and Eman Malik. The first three are former national champions.

However, the selection reflects a sad picture and required a lot to be done to attract women participation. The officials of the team will be announced later.

Meanwhile, the provincial government has given a cheque of Rs 40,000 to STA on account of painting and face lifting of the CDGK courts – venue for the games tennis event.

Earlier, the association had submitted a proposed budget of Rs 80,000 for making the courts ready. Efforts are also being made to renovate and revive activities at the main tennis stadium in the complex besides painting the four courts by raising additional money through sponsorship.

According to STA secretary, with the exception of Police, teams of remaining 10 affiliated units of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) are to compete in tennis event.