LADIES TENNIS GALA COMES TO CAPITAL FROM FEB 15

ISLAMABAD, February 8, 2007:
A four-day Ladies Open Tennis Tournament 2007 will start from 15th of this month in which ladies will be able to participate under four categories, this was announced by Dr Jawad Chishtie, Chief Executive of Subh-e-Nau (SN), the host of this tournament and a not-for-profit organization working for the promotion of the tennis in Pakistan, while addressing a press conference at Islamabad Club here on Thursday.

Subh-e-Nau Chairperson Shahida Kausar Farooq and Tournament Director Dr Farrukh Chishtie were also present on this occasion. Dr Jawad told that the Subh-e-Nau Women’s Tennis Championship 2007 will be held from 15 to 18 Feb 2007 at the Islamabad Club Tennis Courts, and would feature 4 events including Ladies’ Open, Ladies’ Doubles, Veteran’s Singles and Girls Under 15. The event carries a prize purse of Rs 200, 000, which would be disbursed among players in accordance with International Tennis Federation (ITF) rules so as to maximize the benefits and provide incentives to as many participants as possible.

The event will serve as a run up to the Subh-e-Nau International Women’s Championships 2007, which will feature international players from around the globe. Earlier in 2004, the organization also brought the men’s professional Circuit to Pakistan working in collaboration with the Pakistan Tennis Federation. Dr Chishtie explained that the main aims of the tournament were “to provide girls with a chance to compete in international level tennis, being exposed to the best talent in the country, women development, and to raise awareness about the dire environmental conditions confronting Pakistan amongst the participants and the general population.” A plantation and awareness campaign will run side by side with the event.

SN Chief Executive told the media persons that his organization was working for tennis promotion for the last 16 years and has hosted dozens of international and national events besides coaching camps. “The sports event should not be seen as an event in isolation. Incorporating environmental awareness raising, while raising the level of tennis in the country are short term goals, the event also serves as a run up to the planned Subh-e-Nau Women’s International Event, and making a team of young girls who can represent Pakistan abroad,” he added.

The media campaign will target dangers of global warming, and plantation of indigenous trees as the foremost solution. There are examples of places where effects of global warming have been combated through plantation of thick forest cover.

“We aim at educating both participants, people attending this championship and the general population about this environmental issue that threatens not only us but effects our present and coming generations. What is needed now is a ‘revolution’ and not half hearted efforts at addressing environmental issues.” He said.

Taking both these themes of work together for promoting a well aware healthy society, he invited women players of all ages to come and participate in the tournament. “We invite schools, colleges, universities to send their players to this prestigious tournament, so that they are exposed to the best level of tennis in the country” he stated.

Traditionally national events have had only ladies and U-18 events. In this tournament, for promoting younger girls, we have incorporated the U-15 event. With this innovating approach, we aim at increasing the pool of young girls taking up the sport.