The Hindu : Sport : KSLTA to make a strong bid

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jun 21, 2007
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KSLTA to make a strong bid

Special Correspondent

Strategy includes projecting Bangalore as a happening place
Strong competition from Doha, Istanbul and Monterrey

BANGALORE: The Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association, which is bidding to host the prestigious Sony Ericsson WTA Year Ending championship (2008 and 2009) featuring the top eight women players of the world, will make a strong bid at the WTA meeting scheduled to be held during the month-end at Wimbledon.

The secretary of the KSLTA C.S. Sunder Raju said, “we will put a strong case as to why Bangalore is suited to host the event”.

Sunder Raju’s strategy includes projecting Bangalore as one of the most happening places in Asia, with a booming IT growth, global outlook and strong sporting culture and good infrastructure.

“In the world of tennis, Bangalore is well recognised after we had hosted two World Doubles championships and two WTA Tier III events. We have the expertise to handle this mega event. There has been word of mouth publicity about our city and there has been very positive feedback from the players and that makes our task little easier”, said Sunder.

Sunder Raju, however, pointed out that Bangalore would face a very strong competition from cities such as Doha and Istanbul besides Monterrey, which are the other contenders.

“I understand that Istanbul mayor had already met WTA officials and they are lobbying hard. We just don’t want to be left behind”, said Sunder Raju.

Staggering cost

The cost of the event will be a staggering $ 8 million with event proper costing $ 4 million with a $ one million as prize money for the singles winner. “Sony Ericsson as the sponsor, brings in $ 4 million, we have to raise the rest. People might think it as huge, but from my perspective, hosting mega events like this one, gives a greater impetus to the game in the country”, said Sunder Raju.

Sunder Raju felt that the championship should also be a big draw from the tourism angle. “About 25,000 tourists came to watch WTA year ender in Madrid, it can happen here too”, he said.

To plead KSLTA’s case in London, Sunder Raju plans to take a select team, comprising some top corporate CEOs, Government officials and sports personalities.

“We will do our best”, signed off Sunder Raju on an optimistic note.

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