KARACHI: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) plans to establish three Padel tennis courts at its centers in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, The News has learnt from PSB sources.
Padel has been gaining popularity across the country, particularly in major cities like Karachi and Lahore, where private facilities are already operating. However, it remains an expensive sport, making it inaccessible to the average citizen.
To promote inclusivity, PSB will set up Padel courts at the Jinnah Sports Complex in Islamabad, the National Coaching Centre in Lahore, and the National Coaching Centre in Karachi, aiming to provide access to sports enthusiasts from all backgrounds.
Meanwhile, it was also learned that in the upcoming 2025–26 federal budget, some long-delayed sports projects at the National Coaching Centre in Karachi are expected to be approved.
These include the installation of a new tartan track and an increase in seating capacity around the track and football stadium — projects that have been delayed for two to three decades. It is worth mentioning that PSB has made several attempts to install a new tartan track at its Karachi center, but the plans were repeatedly postponed.
The existing tartan track is nearly 29 years old. Consequently, athletic events for the 35th National Games, scheduled to be held in Karachi later this year, will not be held at the National Coaching Centre.
Currently, work is also underway on two small synthetic turfs, at the same center, for Hockey 5 and futsal. The installation of floodlights at the center is also progressing slowly. Although, poles for the lights were erected two months ago, the lights themselves have yet to be installed.
