ISLAMABAD: In a step to support tennis in Pakistan, American Erik Simpson — who owns a tennis club in Houston — has gifted equipment to the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF).

On the invitation of PTF chief Salim Saifullah Khan, Simpson visited the PTF Tennis Complex and met with more than 60 boys and girls taking part in the PTF Junior Tennis Initiative (JTI) program. He gifted some playing gear to PTF on the occasion which includes 61 rackets, 104 tennis balls, 27 t-shirts, 52 pairs of shoes and four mini nets. This equipment will be distributed among less privileged aspiring tennis players in the country.

Simpson also promised to support PTF’s Infrastructure Development Initiative and said that he will send more tennis equipment in due course.

Salim also sought Simpson’s support to convince International Tennis Federation (ITF) president to allow Pakistan to host international events.

PTF officials Iftikhar Rashid , Khawar Hyat, PTF Secretary Khalid Rehmani, ex-national champion Sara Mahboob and coaches Kamran Khalil, Mehboob Khan , Inamul haq, Hameed-ul-Haq were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2016