PROVINCE REPORT
PESHAWAR: A special ceremony was held at the Peshawar Sports Complex in honor of young tennis star Muhammad Shoaib, who recently won an ITF international title. The event was organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tennis Association and attended by former provincial sports minister Syed Aqil Shah and DG Sports Tashfeen Haider as chief guests.
Muhammad Shoaib received a warm welcome upon his arrival at the sports complex and was garlanded with flowers. Vice President of the KP Tennis Association Umar Ayaz Khalil, Olympic Association President Haroon Zafar, Secretary Zulfiqar Butt, Chief Coach Shafqat Ullah, Deputy Director Sports Kashif Farhan and others also attended the ceremony. On the occasion, KP Tennis Association President Saleem Marwat presented Muhammad Shoaib with a cash prize of Rs50,000.
Addressing the ceremony, Syed Aqil Shah described Muhammad Shoaib’s international success as a matter of pride for both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan. He said that after 25 years, a player from the province had won an ITF title, proving the immense talent present in KP despite limited resources and inadequate facilities.
Syed Aqil Shah also expressed serious concern over the deteriorating condition of the Peshawar Sports Complex and other sports grounds. He said players lack even basic facilities, pointing to torn nets, damaged tennis courts and the absence of modern infrastructure such as electronic scoreboards.
He added that despite major development claims, the ground realities remain disappointing, and talented athletes continue to suffer due to poor maintenance of sports infrastructure. He further remarked that if such an achievement had been made in another province, the player would have received significant financial rewards and government patronage, whereas KP still lacks an effective system for encouraging and supporting talented athletes.
Syed Aqil Shah informed participants that Muhammad Shoaib will soon travel to the United States to take part in a coaching and training program aimed at further improving his skills.
The ceremony concluded with participants extending their best wishes to the young tennis star and demanding improved sports facilities and greater government support for athletes across the province.
