Hey all,
As you all are aware, inspite of being the 2nd most populous country with almost 1.252 billion people & with almost, every 5th person of the world being an Indian, India is still a laggard in the Tennis world.
Obviously, their are the Sania Mirza’s, Bhupathi & Leander Paes, but what after them?
India’s highest ranked player singles players SomDev Devvarman is ranked #139 in the latest ATP Rankings while the Top ranked WTA Singles player Ankita Raina is ranked 245 in the latest WTA Rankings.
Don’t you think, a country with such a strong human force & which is one of the world’s fastest growing economy (with India’s GDP expected to touch 2000 BILLION USD in 2015-16) deserves to have a bigger presence in the Tennis world?
The biggest reason according to me for India lagging in the Tennis world has been the lack of corporate support & programs. Indian corporates though have been spending heavily in other sports (viz Cricket, Soccer, Hockey), but Tennis has always remained a last priority for them.
Welcome Initiative by Casa Grande Pvt Ltd
On Friday, I got an invitation from a Chennai’s leading Real Estate Company Casa Grande Pvt Ltd as they were launching the “Casa Grande Aspiring Stars” program with the main motive of identifying & sponsoring young sporting talent.
The program’s main motive is to nurture deserving, young talent in Sports by funding coaching, equipment & other essential needs of the young sportsmen/women. Also, I was thrilled to know that the first two beneficiaries of “Casa Grande Aspiring Stars” will be two of the most young talented Tennis players. R. Abinikka (Girls Under-16 is ranked #4 as per AITA’s Under 16 ranking) while Dhakshineshwar is ranked #5 in Boys Under-14. They both also received a cash donation of Rs. 1 Lakh from the company Casa Grande Pvt Ltd.
The programme was launched in the presence of eminent sporting personalities including Vijay Amritraj. Casa Grande Pvt Ltd‘s MD Mr. Arun Kumar was also present on the occasion & he stated that, “We believe it is an opportunity for us to give something back to the society through Sports.”
Vijay Amritraj said to the young Tennis players, “Smile brightly. This is a moment in your lives. It is essential to identify young talent at the grassroots level & encourage them. In this way, it is an unique concept & I call upon other corporate houses to follow the lead taken by Casa Grande Pvt Ltd.”
I am sharing a few pics with you all of that event —-
For all of you, who are interested in knowing more about the program can do so by directly contacting Casa Grande Pvt Ltd right here.
Here’s hoping, other corporate houses too will take the lead and more Indian young boys/girls will be encouraged to take up Tennis.
Until next time,
Cheers
Vibhu