The Hindu : Sport / Tennis : Tennis Village formally inaugurated

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 15, 2004

Sport

Sport - Tennis

Tennis Village formally inaugurated

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGLAORE, APRIL 14. Nine years ago when Krishna Bhupathi put up a modest edifice with couple of clay courts to train youngsters at Kodigehalli, near here, he took a vow to turn that into a world-class tennis academy.

The dream has now come true and the Nike Bhupathi Tennis Village has become a state of art training centre.

Mahesh Bhupathi lit the lamp to mark the formal opening of the new facilities at the Tennis Village.

The new complex has three synthetic flood-lit roof-top courts, a fitness studio, conference hall, accommodation for trainees and rooms for guests, a hall for indoor games like snooker and pool, browsing centre and a kitchen and a library. The Village would soon have a swimming pool, beauty salon, a sports pro shop and sports bar.

Krishna Bhupathi will be assisted by Prahlad Srinath, the former Davis Cupper, who will provide his valuable in-puts in exchange for his training stints here.

"This is a red letter day not only for our academy, but for the Indian tennis as well. We have proved that we can provide the best facilities and it is up to the players to use them and give their best, " said Krishna Bhupathi.

Mahesh Bhupathi said the new facilities were as good as anything that he had seen around the World. "It is for the trainees to make best use of such facilities, said Mahesh.

Ashwini Nachappa, the former international athlete, was one of the main guests. The inaugural bash was attended by many of Krishna's well wishers and his wards and their parents, besides his wife Meera and Mahesh's wife, Shwetha, the Davis Cupper, Rohan Bopanna, who trains at the Village.

Later Mahesh Bhupathi told the media that despite the reverse against Japan Indian future on the World stage was bright.

" Never before we had such a good mix of talented players like Prakash Amritaj, Rohan Bopanna and Harsh Mankad. What they lack is experience and I expect them to get better and better over the years and serve our Nation well in Davis Cup'', said Mahesh.

Mahesh favoured Leander Paes to continue as the playing captain. "He knows the ground realities and the players can freely communicate with him. It is very positive development that players are in control now," said Mahesh.

Mahesh said that he would resume practice with Leander by July-August, for the Olympics at Athens in September.

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