KARACHI: Pakistan’s first ever tennis coaching workshop 2020 concluded here on Sunday.

The three-day workshop which was held from June 26-28 was organized by Sindh Tennis Association in collaboration with Sports for Life. Muhammad Khalid Rehmani, Vice President PTF, was workshop director whereas Shahzad Qazi was technical administrator.

Country’s top tennis coaches Kamran Khalil (ITF level 3), Hamid Niaz (PTF Junior Tennis Initiative), country’s number one tennis player Sara Mansoor (ITF level 2), former international player Noumanul Haq, (ITF level 2), Davis Cupper and currently coach in USA Jalil Khan, ex international player Nameer Shamsi ( ITF level 2 coach) and former international player and Davis Cupper Rashid Malik (ITF Level 2 coach) conducted the online workshop over three days.

Pakistan’s number one player Aqeel Khan was the chief guest in the opening ceremony while Rashid Malik was chief guest in the closing ceremony.

Keynote speakers highlighted the challenges being face by coaches and players in the game of Tennis in the country and also suggested coaches education pathway and under-14 players development pathway.

Coaches were of the opinion that players are now reluctant to do much hard work and want success through shortcuts.

Competent coaches are in good number and they are doing their best and even those who can afford to travel abroad can get equally good training in their country from these coaches.

Khalid Rehmani said that due to Covid 19 compulsions “we should have online sessions from these coaches regularly.”

He also requested concerned sports departments to issue permissions to gradually resume sports activities in the country.

“Youth of the country are under tremendous sociological pressures. It must be addressed now and outdoor healthy sports activities is the only answer to release that pressure,” he said.”Sports is a huge industry worldwide and millions of people earn their livelihood through sports.”

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2020