The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) is set to establish three Padel tennis courts in major cities across the country, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. This move aims to promote the sport and make it more accessible to people from all backgrounds. Padel has been gaining popularity in Pakistan, especially in cities like Karachi and Lahore, where private facilities are already operating. However, the sport remains expensive and out of reach for the average citizen.
To address this issue, the PSB plans to set up Padel courts at its centers in the three cities, providing an opportunity for sports enthusiasts to play the game without having to pay high fees at private facilities. The courts will be established at the Jinnah Sports Complex in Islamabad, the National Coaching Centre in Lahore, and the National Coaching Centre in Karachi.
In addition to the Padel courts, the PSB also plans to undertake several other projects at its Karachi center. These include the installation of a new tartan track, which has been delayed for over two decades, and an increase in seating capacity around the track and football stadium. The existing tartan track is nearly 29 years old and is in desperate need of replacement. As a result, athletic events for the upcoming 35th National Games, scheduled to be held in Karachi later this year, will not be held at the National Coaching Centre.
Other ongoing projects at the Karachi center include the installation of two small synthetic turfs for Hockey 5 and futsal, as well as the installation of floodlights. While poles for the lights were erected two months ago, the lights themselves have yet to be installed. The PSB is expected to receive funding for these projects in the upcoming 2025-26 federal budget, which will help to expedite their completion. Overall, the PSB’s initiatives aim to promote inclusivity and provide better sporting facilities for people from all backgrounds.