By Our Correspondent
LAHORE (October 21, 2025): Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar inaugurated the 9th edition of Shehryar Malik Memorial Open Tennis Championship 2025 by playing a shot at the state-of-the-art Sports Board Punjab Tennis Academy Courts, Nishtar Park Sports Complex here on Monday.
Sports Coordinator Malik Anoosh Khokhar, Punjab Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA) Vice President Rashid Malik and a large number of tennis players were also present on this occasion.
In his media talk, Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that our talented players are achieving great success at the international level which is definitely a matter of pride for all of us.
He said that Shehryar Malik Memorial Open Tennis Championship is being played in 19 different categories and this event will continue for seven days at the state-of-the-art venue. “Punjab Sports department is providing funds of Rs five lakh for the successful holding of this event”.
Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that the purpose of the competitions is not only to promote sports activities but also to provide an opportunity to the new talent so that they can showcase their skills at the national and international level. He further said that Punjab Sports department also awarded prizes to the players who showed the best performance in Khelta Punjab Games. “Similarly, the talented players of tennis and other sports will also be provided full support by the Punjab government in the shape of monthly stipends”.
Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that the Punjab government is paying special attention on the construction of new courts and the training of coaches for the promotion of tennis and padel tennis. “Our endeavor is to provide maximum facilities in the playgrounds so that the young generation can be attracted towards healthy and positive activities”.
The provincial minister said that organizing competitions at the grass root level is most important factor for the development of sports. “Our aim is to establish sports nurseries in every district so that new talent can emerge from there and represent Pakistan in the future”.
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