Young talents in tennis awarded with annual scholarship of Rs. 1 lakh

Sports might not be too coveted as a career. And yet for those with an indomitable urge to build and maintain athletic prowess and skills despite economic strain, the All India Tennis Trust (AITA) is all set to provide technical as well as financial aid. In what can be seen as a measure towards fueling junior talent in Indian tennis, the AITA Trust announced selection of eight boys and eight girls for the annual scholarship of Rs. 1,00,000 each, at the DLTA Complex in Delhi on Wednesday. A panel comprising former Davis Cuppers Balram Singh and Vishal Uppal along with former Fed Cup player Ankita Bhambri selected 16 players from a group of competitors, recommended by 15 state associations. While every state had nominated a boy and a girl each for selection, the quality of tennis in some states was easily recognisable, as Haryana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh managed to get the scholarships for both boys and girls. It was equally a tough task for the selection panel to keep track of all the players, spread over 11 courts. The selected players were handed cheques of Rs. 50,000, along with certificates and the remaining amount would be paid in two installments. Depending upon the performance, the scholarships will be extended to the deserving kids. There will not only be financial support for the players, but they will also be supported for competing in tournaments at home and abroad. There will also be possibilities of coaches travelling with the players to enhance their performance. The selected players will be monitored through the year, in consultation with their coaches, and appropriate measures shall be taken periodically for further improvement in their techniques.