BHUBANESWAR 26-Feb-2014 109
Abdul Hanif of Madhya Pradesh bagged a double by winning the men`s doubles and veteran singles titles in the 13th All-India BSNL Tennis Tournament, which concluded here at Kalinga Stadium today. He posted a convincing 8-4 victory over Rajesh Kumar of UP East in the veteran singles final.
But in the men`s double summit clash, Hanif and his statemate Dinesh Yadav faced stiff fight against Punjab duo of M S Dhillon and Rajeev Kapoor before winning in super tie-break (6-3, 1-6, 10-3).
However, the main title of the three-day tournament was captured by Rajeev Kapoor, who outclashed M S Dhillon in the all-Punjab men`s singles final 9-1.
Host Odisha`s campaign ended when J Ganta and B N Mohanty went down fighting to Rajeev Kapoor and M S Dhillon in the men`s doubles semifinals 6-8 earlier in the day.
State Food Supply & Consumer Welfare Secretary Madhusudan Padhi handed over the trophies at the closing function. Speaking on the occasion, Padhi, who is also the secretary of Odisha Tennis Association, urged the Odisha Telecom authorities to recruit young tennis players in the state circle.
Odisha Telecom Circle Chief General Manager U N Mahalik, Senior General Manager P K Hota and General Manager A K Pahi were present on the occasion.
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PHOTO: Title winners (L to R) Abdul Hanif, Dinesh Yadav and Rajeev Kapoor in Bhubaneswar on February 26, 2014.
