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Aim is to spread tennis in rural areas of Maharashtra: Sunder Iyer
Pune hosting the Asian Tennis Tour in April, is the big move forward, however, locally, MSLTA is still up against it to ensure junior talent is able to move on to the next level
From hosting Hero Honda circuit tournaments in 1993 to hosting Tata Open Maharashtra in 2018, tennis has always surged in the upward direction for Pune city and its popularity is increasing day by day.
Along with hosting tournaments, Pune has also been blessed with an ample number of tennis academies which are producing talented young players.
Sunder Iyer who is the secretary of Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) has monitored this journey very closely and now his aim is to take tennis to all the corners of Maharashtra.
While speaking with Jigar Hindocha, Sunder Iyer explained about how tennis action will take place in the state during the year.
What will be the key focus areas for young tennis players?
We have got quality of players in under-18 and under-16 categories and now focus is on getting talented players in the under-14 category so we have planned more tournaments for this age group.
We have ‘Road to Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) program’ for under-10 and under-12 kids and now we will be launching it for under-14 and under-16 categories also.
Under this program, a player plays three tournaments in their district. Top two players from every district will be taken under MSLTA vision program where the association will give them special training and funding.
Why junior talent is not making a big name at senior level?
There is a big challenge for us to graduate players from junior level to senior level. There are many reasons but two big reasons are the education system of India and finance. Many children left tennis if they are doing good at academics. Finance is also something which plays a big role as tennis is a costly game. Still, these days players are more serious about their tennis careers than past.
How vision program of MSLTA works?
Under our vision program, we provide elite services to players. It includes sending them to train abroad, giving them wild cards for international tournaments. Association also provides funds for having coaches, dietician and tie up with international coaches.
How new International Tennis Federation rules will impact Indian players?
Most of the players are playing abroad to get the points. With no ITF 15,000 and 10,000 tournaments taking place in India, things have become little difficult for Indian players but I am hoping All India Tennis Association (AITA) will come out with structure which will help Indian players to play more tournaments in India and make money out of it which can help them to play abroad.
Asian Tennis Federation will be starting the Asian Tennis Tour beginning from April 2019. The idea is to make Asian Tennis Tour stronger with adding prize money to it and with points given these players a wildcard in challenger tournaments.
What are the aims of the year 2019?
We have very good structure working all over Maharashtra but now we want to extend it in rural areas of Pune district. The aim is to broaden the reach of tennis and set up an example for other states.
Tennis facts of City:
Registered tennis players (all age group): 1,200
Registered coaches: 112
Number of tennis courts: 455
Number of coaching centres: 40
Number of tournaments conducted in 2018: 45
Officials: 8 International Tennis Federation officials,
14 AITA officials
Key features for 2019
Summer camps around Maharashtra: 15
A road to Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) program from under-14 and under-16 players
Focus on developing tennis in rural areas of Pune District
Special program for coaches
Players to watch out for
Ankita Raina, on how tennis runs in Pune
After cricket, tennis comes as the number 2 sport in Pune. It has many tournaments conducted for all the age groups. With the help of district association and state association, Pune conducts 30-40 plus All India Tennis Association (AITA), International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments between juniors, women’s’ and men’s’ format. With the city hosting Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tournaments, it has created an energetic atmosphere.
Salsa Aher, on competition in u-18 level
Competition at under-18 level in Pune is very good with four players in the top ten rankings of All India Tennis Association (AITA). Even good players are coming from Hyderabad. I will be graduating to women’s circuit in 2019 so I will be working more on endurance and strength.
Pune Tennis Calendar
The state association’s long-term commitment, promoters’ persistent resolve, and spectators’ keen interest make the city prime venue for top tennis tournaments
March:
Rs 3 lakh AITA tournament
Venue: Poona Club, Camp
April:
Under-10 tennis tournament
Venue: Poona Club, Camp
June:
Under-10 tennis tournament
Venue: Poona Club, Camp
November:
1. Under-16 champion series
Venue: Solaris club,Kothrud
2. Pune open women’s 25k tournament
Venue: Shiv Chhatrapati sports complex, Balewadi
3. Under-12 championship series 7
Venue: Hill Side Gymkhana, Bibvewadi
December:
1. Under-10 tennis tournament
Venue: Hill Side Gymkhana, Bibvewadi
2. 25k Deccan Gymkhana ITF
Venue: Deccan Gymkhana, Shivajinagar
