LAHORE, June 10: The Punjab Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA) under its School Tennis Initiative Programme launched ‘Quick Start Mini Tennis Camp’ at its Bagh-i-Jinnah grass courts here on Monday.

Former Pakistan Davis Cupper and captain Rashid Malik and Tayyab Iftikhar are conducting the programme.

Speaking to Dawn, Rashid, an ITF Level-I coach, said high-level coaching would be given to the students of 4 to 10 years age at the camp.

“The camp is being held on the specially laid out courts recommended by the ITF with fun activities to attract kids to play tennis,” Rashid, the seven-time national champion, stated.

He said the same camp would function throughout the year in phases to give chance to maximum number of schools across Lahore to participate in it.

Rashid said the “Mini Tennis” was played on smaller courts with use of soft balls and smaller rackets for players aged 10 years and under, noting that it was an ideal opportunity for parents to let their kids learn basic tennis skills.

Tayyab, who is also a maternal uncle of Pakistan’s top tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq, said Aisam always emphasised introducing tennis at school and other grass roots levels. He added that parents must encourage their kids to play tennis.