Ace-Base Tennis Resort launched

Tennis in Orissa received a novel boost with the launching of a private training centre at Naharkanta in Bhubaneswar today. Named Ace-Base Tennis Resort, the infrastructure facility has been set up by freelance coaches Ajay Kumar Nishank and Lalit Dash at a cost of around Rs 12 lakh. Located along the bank of river Kuakhai, Ace-Base Tennis Resort (ABTR) offers round-the-year playing and coaching facility at a reasonable price for players of all ages. Equipped with two hard courts, ABTR has plans to add two more courts with lights, a gymnasium, dressing rooms, dormitory, swimming pool and restaurant in a couple of years. ``By setting up the resort, we have taken a risk. But we are optimistic that our venture would be successful and we would be able to groom talents in a systematic and professional manner,’’ said Nishank, also a leading player of the state. ``We would also conduct state and all-India level tournaments here under the guidance of Orissa Tennis Association, Bhubaneswar District Tennis Association, Khurda District Tennis Association and the State Directorate of Sports,’’ added co-founder Dash. Speaking on the fee structure, both Nishank and Dash said it would be very reasonable and cheaper compared to that in other cities of the country. Inaugurating the resort, State Agriculture Secretary U P Singh lauded the venture and wished it all success. BSNL General Managers J Ganta and Pradipta Kumar Hota and KDTA secretary Bijay Ketan Mishra were present on the occasion as guests. Around 50 tennis players of the city, including Anshu Kumar Bhuyan, Vijay Avinandan, Nikkie Gargi, Ritika Nath joined the launching function and also tasted the pace and bounce of the courts.