Feb 3, 2009

Delhi lad Yuki Bhambri came home yesterday with the Australian Open Junior Boy’s trophy—a proud moment for the city and the country. A double whammy for us was the Mixed Doubles’ crown, won by Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza. It just goes to show that India has the talent—what we lack is the infrastructure and training at the grassroots level. Sania has been mentored by Bhupathi and Bhambri has been sponsored by the Apollo tennis programme. But what of those on the socioeconomic fringes who do not have access to good coaches, equipment or courts? If we want to consistently produce tennis champions, it will take a dedicated all-India effort and commitment to spot talent and nurture it. Otherwise, such wins will remain a flash in the pan.

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