The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : ‘We have to create critical mass base for the game’

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Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

‘We have to create critical mass base for the game’

Kalyan Ashok

There are not enough tournaments for juniors at home
Veterans want the KSLTA to go the extra mile

Bangalore: As the nodal body for the sport in the State, the onus is on the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) to take the sport to new heights and spread interest among youngsters. The KSLTA is aware of its responsibility, but there are challenges to be overcome.

C.S. Sunder Raju, secretary of the KSLTA, said that the association has been addressing issues linked to the growth of tennis. “There are questions which do not have easy answers. We are committed to developing grassroot tennis along with other programmes such as holding major international events. It is a misconception to assume we have neglected any segment of State tennis. We have been supporting players and have funded them in the range of Rs. 5 lakh to Rs.10 lakh, whenever the right ones approached us. There is a mini-tennis programme in place and we have taken the game to the districts. We are committed to providing a ladder to all those who have the potential and talent,” said Mr. Raju.

The KSLTA secretary pointed out there is a lack of depth or a mass base. “We have to create this critical mass base for the game in the State, wherein over 1 lakh kids play the game and we wish to do that in another couple of years so that from such a huge pool, we have enough players who can compete at the State and national-level events.”

Mr. Raju said that the High Performance Training Centre of the KSLTA has not ignored youngsters from the State.

“Though we charge, we offer subsidy to State players who deserve it and need it. It is premature to put a time-frame on when the HPTC will start delivering. I am sure it will in course of time,” he said.

The KSLTA is flooded with advice from tennis veterans who want the association to go the extra mile. Former State champion B.R. Priyadarshi suggested that the KSLTA should partly subsidise the fees of those wishing to take up tennis seriously.

Krishna Kumar, who runs the Kinesis Centre, wanted the KSLTA to interact a lot more with private academies which are doing their own bit for the game.

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