The sporting landscape for young athletes in Karachi received a significant boost with the official launch of the NNG STA Junior Tennis Initiative (JTI) Coaching Camp. The program was inaugurated at the Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana in a ceremony that underscored a strong commitment to nurturing tennis talent from the grassroots level.
Grand Opening Ceremony Sets Positive Tone
The opening event saw Syed Muhammad Talha, President of Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana, attend as the chief guest. He formally inaugurated the camp and pledged the gymkhana's full support for the Junior Tennis Initiative, highlighting its importance for community development and youth engagement. The launch week also featured National JTI Coordinator Hamid Niaz, who traveled specially from Lahore, and former national champion Altaf Hussain. Both sports figures emphasized the critical need for structured, professional training for Pakistan's youth to build a strong future for the sport.
Over 300 Young Participants Enthusiastically Join
The inaugural session demonstrated massive interest, with participation from more than 300 boys and girls. These young athletes represented 25 schools from Karachi's District Central and District West. They were not alone; the session was also attended by their parents, teachers, and coaches, showing a collective community effort towards the initiative's success.
A Comprehensive Two-and-a-Half-Month Programme
This is not just a short-term camp. The Junior Tennis Initiative is a detailed, two-and-a-half-month programme designed to holistically develop young players. The core schedule includes two coaching sessions per week, which will be conducted by assistant coaches M Essa Jee, M Asif, and Saeed.
However, the program's scope extends beyond the court. It incorporates educational and engaging activities for all stakeholders:
- Special workshops for parents and coaches.
- Quiz competitions for participants.
- Drawing contests and essay writing activities linked to the themes of tennis and the JTI.
Organizers expressed gratitude towards the sponsors for making this venture possible. M Khalid Rehmani extended thanks to Arif Habib, Samad Arif Habib, and the entire Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana management for their crucial sponsorship and backing of this youth-centric sports project.
The launch of this camp marks a positive step forward for youth tennis in Pakistan, providing a formal platform for skill development, physical fitness, and character building through sports in the heart of Karachi.
