KARACHI, Oct 6: Two former players, Reza Ali Mirza and Imran Ahmed Siddique, were unanimously elected president and secretary respectively of the Sindh Tennis Players Association (STPA) which was formally launched at Karachi Gymkhana on Thursday.

“The formation of the body is aimed at promoting the game and to tap the talent at the grassroots level,” Mirza told newsmen at a press conference.

He said the idea was felt due to the fact that not much work has been done for the game in the city during the last quarter-of-a-century.

“Karachi, which has remained in the forefront by producing a galaxy of national and junior ranking players in the past, is lagging behind and the game revolves around handful of families including markers,” he added.The STPA official regretted that apart from Aisam-ul-Haq, Aqeel Khan, Jalil Khan and Yasir Khan were self made players.

Unveiling plans, he announced to hold at least two tournaments before the end of the year for which sponsors have already been lined up. “Holding of the events is one of the many ideas we want to implement in latter and spirit,” he remarked.

Responding to a query, he rejected the notion that the body was against any group or association and added that it will follow the proper course and seek blessing of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) through its provincial chapter, the Sindh Tennis Association (STA).

Speaking on the occasion, vice-president, Khawaja Masroor, said: “It was need of the hour to repay the debt and revive the glorious past of the game in the city through collective efforts.”

President of the Karachi Gymkhana, Ali Rahim, who also graced the occasion, assured to extend support to the body and help produce another player of Aisam’s calibre from gymkhana courts.

Secretary of the association, Imran Siddique, gave a resume of his legwork and provided a list of 49 players including Davis Cuppers, national, juniors and women’s ranking players whom he had approached in this regard.

Veteran Davis Cupper and former secretary PTF, Munir Pirzada, also spoke on the occasion.

Office-bearers: Reza Ali Mirza (president), Khawaja Masroor (vice-president), Imran Ahmed Siddique (secretary), Danish Ahmed (joint secretary), Mohammad Ali (treasurer).