The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Tennis Association has launched a comprehensive junior tennis camp at the Peshawar Sports Complex, hiring international coach Inam Gul to impart advanced techniques to budding players.

Around 15 youngsters aged five to 14 are undergoing rigorous training twice daily, in the morning and afternoon sessions. The camp, which began on June 10, will continue until August 20.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, General Secretary of the Association Umar Ayaz Khalil said the Pakistan Tennis Federation has provided 200 tennis balls for the camp, while the association has also purchased second-hand balls to meet the demand.

“A new ball costs Rs700 in the market and most of the players come from poor families who cannot afford them,” Khalil said.

Coach Inam Gul highlighted the structured training approach being followed at the camp.

“We teach five-year-old players basic techniques while the others are being trained on technical points. We also arrange matches between them,” Gul said.

He identified several under-15 players with exceptional potential, including Shayan Afridi, Fayzan Afridi, Rayan Khalil, Sheheryar, Salaar and Danyal. “There is no lack of talent in these children but they need permanent international-level coaches and better facilities to polish their skills,” the coach added.