### A New Era for Tennis in Pakistan: Inauguration of the Long Beach Tennis Center
A significant milestone in the development of tennis in Pakistan was achieved with the inauguration of the Long Beach Tennis Center USA at the Central Park Sports Complex within the Central Park Housing Scheme. The grand opening ceremony, held on Saturday, marked a pivotal moment for sports enthusiasts in the region.
### An International Sporting Initiative
The event was organized by the Urban Developers Group and showcased an impressive collection of international-standard sports facilities. Beyond tennis, the venue features courts for cricket, padel, football, and badminton, making it a comprehensive hub for various sporting activities. This initiative aims not only to elevate the standards of tennis but also to promote a culture of sports in Pakistan.
### Esteemed Guests and Visionary Leaders
The ceremony was honored by notable attendees, including the chief guest Mr. Mian Tahir Javed, Chairman of Urban Developers Group. Distinguished figures such as Punjab Secretary Sports Mudassar Riaz Malik, guest of honor Mr. Sid Siddiqui (chairman and owner of the Long Beach Tennis Center USA), and special guests from the USA—Mr. Amir Rausal and Mr. Safder Qureshi—graced the occasion. The presence of renowned international cricket umpire Aleem Dar and several American coaches further highlighted the significance of the event.
### Training Under Global Standards
The newly launched Long Beach Tennis Academy is set to operate under the guidance of foreign-qualified coaches from the United States, who will introduce modern training techniques, fitness programs, and professional mentorship tailored for young Pakistani players. Open trials will be conducted shortly to identify promising talent from across Punjab and beyond, ensuring that no potential athlete is overlooked.
### A Heartfelt Commitment to Home Soil
In a poignant speech at the ceremony, Mr. Sid Siddiqui shared his motivations for establishing the academy in Pakistan. “I have been coaching tennis in the USA for a long time and have the honor of producing a good number of tennis players there. Now, the love of my homeland has compelled me to serve the game of tennis here too,” he expressed.
Siddiqui’s vision is clear: “That’s why I have established a US-level academy in Central Park Society, where highly qualified coaches will train the raw talent of Pakistan and transform them into true champions.” His aspirations don’t end there; he aims to cultivate a new generation of players who will proudly represent Pakistan on international stages.
### Structured Development Needed
New Punjab Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Mudassar Riaz Malik emphasized the crucial need for a structured development approach in sports. “Pakistan does not lack talent. What we need is proper identification and grooming at the grassroots level,” he stated.
He also pointed out the important role educational institutions can play in nurturing sports talent: “Punjab is rich in natural potential, but we must focus on schools and colleges to find and polish talented athletes.” Malik recognized the efforts of the organizers, calling the project a landmark step in promoting a tennis culture within Pakistan.
### A Competitive Future in Sight
Adding to the excitement, Sid Siddiqui announced plans for an International Tennis Tournament that will be organized in Lahore within the next year. This event will provide local players with invaluable exposure and competitive experience on a global platform, further bolstering the future of tennis in Pakistan.