TTS Report
A significant milestone in the development of tennis in Pakistan was achieved with the inauguration of the Long Beach Tennis Center USA at the Central Park Sports Complex under the Central Park Housing Scheme, during a grand opening ceremony held on Saturday.The event was organised by Urban Developers Group and showcased an international-standard sports initiative featuring multiple sporting facilities including tennis, cricket, padel courts, football, and badminton. The ceremony was graced by the chief guest, Mr. Mian Tahir Javed, Chairman of Urban Developers Group. Distinguished guests included Punjab Secretary Sports Mudassar Riaz Malik, guest of honor Mr. Sid Siddiqui, chairman and owner of the Long Beach Tennis Center USA, as well as special guests from the United States including Mr. Amir Rausal and Mr. Safder Qureshi. Renowned international cricket umpire Aleem Dar and several American coaches were also in attendance.The newly launched academy will operate under the supervision of foreign-qualified coaches from the United States, who will provide modern training techniques, fitness programs, and professional mentorship to young Pakistani players. Open trials will soon be conducted to identify skilled and promising athletes from across Punjab and beyond.Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Sid Siddiqui, chairman and owner of Long Beach Tennis Center USA, shared the vision behind launching the academy in Pakistan: “I ave been coaching tennis in the USA for a long time and have the honor of producing a good number of tennis players there. Now, the love of my homeland has compelled me to serve the game of tennis here too.”He further stated: “That’s why I have established a same US-level academy in Central Park Society, where highly qualified coaches will train the raw talent of Pakistan and transform them into true champions.”Highlighting the long-term goal, Siddiqui added. “We have a vision and goals to produce international-level players here who will represent the Pakistani flag across the globe. With proper training and guidance, Pakistan will soon witness a new generation of tennis stars who will take national tennis to new heights.”New Punjab Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Mudassar Riaz Malik emphasised the importance of structured development in sports: “Pakistan does not lack talent. What we need is proper identification and grooming at the grassroots level.”He added that schools and colleges must play a more active role in identifying and nurturing sports talent: “Punjab is full of natural potential, but we must focus on educational institutions to find and polish talented athletes.” He appreciated the efforts of the organisers and termed the project a landmark step for promoting tennis culture in Pakistan.Sid Siddiqui also announced that an International Tennis Tournament would be organised in Lahore within a year, providing Pakistani players with international exposure and competition experience.
