ALL ENCOURAGEMENT: Surya Pavan , Surya Tejiswini and Surya Sirisila who received their tennis kits from film star Raja (centre) , fitness trainer Dinaz Veratvala and National badminton coach Pullela Gopichand in Hyderabad on Tuesday. — PHOTO : P.V. Sivakumar

HYDERABAD: Their grit, determination and dedication have seen the three siblings make their mark and hold impressive All India Tennis Association ranks.

If Surya Pavan is No.1 ranker, his sister Surya Tejiswini is No.4 in India in the Under 12 category while brother Surya Sirisila is No. 22 in `under 14' category.

Going whole hog

Those sterling qualities alone would not be enough to realise their dream of making a splash in world tennis. Yet the trio had the mentor in their father Venkateswarulu who moved to city from Kurnool, quitting his job and selling off his house to support his children's passion.

With tennis coaching becoming an expensive affair, the trio had to play in the afternoons under scorching sun, practising hundreds of serves, long rallies. They would reach Lal Bahadur Stadium and observe the players picking up the nuances and start playing in the afternoon, the only one-hour slot when they could play without fee.

Dinaz steps in

The trio who do not go to school but study at home to devote entire day for observing, absorbing and practising tennis somehow did not attract the attention of any kind-hearted soul to back their dedicated efforts with sponsorship.

But the much-needed help came to them when athlete trainer Dinaz Vervatwala, who trains sportspersons in scientific fitness techniques, heard about them. "I was moved by their dedication and commitment to game and chose to train them under our Mission Pride India initiative," she said. Cine hero Raja who met the children and was impressed offered to sponsor their fitness regime for one year. Raja, who handed over kits to the young players in a function at Dinaz's fitness studio, felt it was surprising none noticed and came forward to sponsor those talented children so long. "It's time India tapped immense potential of its sportspersons and extended support," he said.

Noted writer and Krishnakriti Foundation member Jyotirmayee Sharma, appreciating Ms. Dinaz's efforts for the cause of sports, said the foundation would sponsor fitness programme of promising Ranji cricketer Anoop Pai at her studio. Saina Nehwal, who won the prestigious international badminton tournament, too was trained for physical fitness at Dinaz's.

National Badminton coach Pullela Gopichand and Saina's trainer was felicitated. He congratulated Raja for sponsoring young tennis players. Sports was now seen as medium of social uplift, he said.

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