Peshawar
DIG Amanullah Memorial Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Open Tennis Championship started in Qayyum Sports Complex Peshawar.More than two hundred players are taking part in Under-9, Under-13, Under-18, men singles and ddoubles.
Former Provincial Minister for Sports and President of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Olympic Association, Syed Aqil Shah and Senior Vice President Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tennis Association, Cardiologist Dr. Professor Farhat Abbas were guests of honor at the inaugural ceremony. Arslan Nazim, Administrator Peshawar Sports Complex Syed Jafar Shah, Provincial General Secretary Tennis Association Omar Ayaz Khalil, Coaches Ruman Gul, Nauman Khan, Zakirullah, Shehryar, Shah Hussain and Shahid were also present. Syed Aqil Shah said while talking to media men that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had a lot of talent in lawn tennis, players of this province had made access to the Davis Cup. “Care taker government has turned its back on sports and despite the promise, the government has not awarded medal winners of the National Games”.
On the opening day, Ryan Umar defeated Shayan by 6 1 and 6 2 in Under 9, Salar defeated Manahil by 6 2 6 2, Faizan Afridi defeated Anis by 6 1 6 1, Under 14 M Shayan Afridi defeated Ayan Ali by 6 zero and 6 two, Hamza Roman defeated Uzair by 6 1 and 6 two in U-18.
General Secretary Tennis Association Omar Ayaz Khalil said that 250 thousand prize money would be distributed among winners. Hed added that Davis Cupper Aqeel Khan, Shoaib Khan, Barkatullah Sameet Yusuf, Saqib, Aqib, Hamid, Hamza, Shayan, Ryan, Faizan, Salar also playing the championship.
