Promoting the sport: Tennis makes its mark in Quetta

City hosts its first event of the year; players hope for more action.

KARACHI: The All Balochistan Tennis Championship got underway at the Brown Club Quetta yesterday after the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) finally decided to promote the sport in the region.

While players feel that the effort took a long time  – Quetta is hosting its first tennis event of the year – the development should be a sign of better things to come.

Players want more tournaments in Quetta

Mohammad Ishaq, who is taking part in the seniors singles and the doubles event, said the lack of tournaments was hampering the clubs’ progress in Quetta where players practice regularly.

“This tournament is just a beginning,” Ishaq told The Express Tribune. “We need more championships, including provincial ranking events like players in Sindh and Punjab get. But I’m glad that the PTF has at least showed some interest.  The PTF Secretary Mumtaz Yousuf is from Quetta and is therefore, in a better position to promote the sport.”

Meanwhile, Yousuf called on the Balochistan Tennis Association to be more active in developing the sport in the region. The PTF official added that a provincial camp, which will impart training to the best players of the championship, will also be organised in the city.

No female participation due to lack of exposure

Ishaq also lamented the lack of female representation in the tournament that is featuring only male players in three categories — under-17, men’s seniors and veterans.

“The lack of events and the little exposure mean fewer players take up the sport. There's hardly any event for male players so let's not even discuss the female participation.

"Most of the players only get to interact with each other during these kind of  tournaments which only take place twice a year. More tournaments will encourage aspiring players to take up the sport.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2012.