BHUBANESWAR 06-Apr-2010 267
Tennis in Orissa received a much needed boost with Hi-Tech Group of Institutions announcing sponsorship for the state’s No 1 men’s player Chinmay Pradhan today. According to a deal, HGI, arguably Eastern India’s largest educational group, will bear all the expenses to enable Pradhan play tournaments in national and international circuits for the year 2010-2011.
‘‘We have adopted Chinmay like a son. Initially, we will finance his tournament schedule for a year and help him improve his position in National rankings,’’ announced HGI chairman Dr Tirupati Panigrahi while handing over the first air tickets to Pradhan in a simple ceremony here at Hi-Tech Medical College & Hospital.
Eighteen-year-old Pradhan, who is now ranked 80th in AITA men’s list of 209 players, is scheduled to play his first sponsored tournament at Kanjhawala in New Delhi from April 12 to 16. ‘‘I have been given direct entry in the main draw and I am confident to do well there,’’ said Pradhan, whose National ranking has improved by 53 places within a period of just one month.
A Plus-Three student of BJB College, Pradhan has been in good form, reaching semifinals (his career-best performance) in an AITA men’ ranking tournament here last month. He eliminated a couple of seeded players before losing to eventual champion and former Davis Cup squad-member Nitin Kirtane.
A hard-working and passionate player, Pradhan thanked HGI for their sponsorship and promised to justify the support by performing well in the National circuit. ‘‘Tennis players are struggling in Orissa because of lack of sponsorship. HGI’s support has come as a relief and it has boosted my confidence. Now can play national and international tournaments freely,’’ he said.
‘‘It is a nice gesture by HGI. I am sure, the sponsorship will inspire other tennis players of the state to perform better,’’ said Pradhan’s coach Santosh Kumar Mallik.
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PHOTO: HGI chairman Dr Tirupati Panigrahi presents air tickets to tennis player Chinmay Pradhan in Bhubaneswar on April 6, 2010.
