BHUBANESWAR 10-Sep-2014 77
Tennis may be a neglected sport in Odisha, but thanks to the efforts of voluntary organisations and academies, the game is still alive and kicking. Complementing Odisha Tennis Players` Parents` Association (OTPPA), which has conducted four AITA tournaments within six months of coming into existence, 20 senior tennis players and enthusiasts of Bhubaneswar have formed a trust to accelerate the promotion of the sport.
In its maiden venture, NextGen Sports Trust, in association with Ace Base Tennis Academy and KIIT University, will organise a state-level tournament with record prize money at KIIT Tennis Complex here from October 24 to 26.
``The aim of the trust is to support players financially, technically and help them achieve their goals. The 1st KIIT-Ace Base All-Odiha Ranking Tennis Tournament is the first step towards that direction,`` said the newly formed trust chairman Manas Kumar Jena at a press conference here today.
The three-day tournament, which offers a total prize fund of Rs 1.5 lakh, will feature competition in four categories _ men`s singles and doubles, under-16 boys` singles and 40-plus veteran doubles. The men`s singles and doubles champions will be richer by Rs 25,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively, while title winners in boys` singles and veteran doubles will receive Rs 8,000 each. Players reaching quarterfinal stage will be entitled to prize money.
``The prize money offered is a record for any state level tennis tournament. The tournament will be conducted as per All India Tennis Association (AITA) rules, providing chair umpires, line judges and ball boys. From quarterfinal onwards, all matches will be best of three tie-break sets,`` said organising committee member Vivek Kumar Tibarewal, who is also the secretary of All Odisha Chess Association.
Trust member and eminent coach Ajay Kumar Nishank said the trust would make the tournament a regular feature in the tennis calendar of the state and also take up initiative to promote other sports in the future.
Well-known coach Lalit Dash, organising secretary Bijay Kumar Jena, treasurer Manoj Dash and KIIT University Sports Officer Gaganendu Dash were present in the press conference.
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PHOTO: NextGen Sports Trust officials at a press conference in Bhubaneswar on Sept 10, 2014.
