Government will work to popularise tennis: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said that the government will undertake projects to develop tennis courts at school, college and university levels to popularise the sport alongside cricket and football.

“We’re usually busy with cricket and football but tennis is also a good sport. We’ll provide assistance so that universities, colleges and schools can set up tennis courts to flourish this game as the young generation is showing interest,” she said. 

The Prime Minister said this while speaking to the players of the participating countries in Sheikh Russell International Club Cup Tennis Tournament and diplomats of the respective countries when they called on her at her official residence Ganobhaban.

Khulna district administration, in collaboration with cabinet division and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, arranged the six-day tournament marking the birth anniversary of Sheikh Russell -- the youngest son of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Sheikh Hasina said the government has given importance to develop infrastructures for games and sports to attract children and young generations.

“We always put emphasis on sports which provide mental strength to our children and youths. The more the young generation will be involved with sports and games, the more their mentality will be broadened and they’ll be physically sound,” she said.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russel, Sheikh Salahuddin Jewel and Abdus Salam Murshedi were present during the programme.