Tennis tourney from Dec 15-18

Organized by the Meghalaya Lawn Tennis Association (MTA), the tennis tournament will be held at the Shillong Club Tennis Courts in the capital city.

Speaking to reporters at a news conference, president of the association Andrew Simons informed the players will be competing in the different categories which include men’s single, women’s single, doubles, junior etc.

Simons who is also the state Assembly’s Commissioner & Secretary said that the decision on the venue is because the existing tennis courts at the JN Stadium are not feasible for holding the tournament due to lack of maintenance besides facilities.

The president – sales & marketing of the Max Cement Ramendra Nath Sinha also handed over a cheque of Rs one lakh to the president of the association. Besides, the Star Cement also extended support of Rs 35,000 for the tournament.

Simons while expressing his gratefulness to the support extended by the cement companies said, the state government through the sports department has not been able to fund for this year’s tournament.

Asked, the president of the association said that the tournament is also part of preparing the players for the upcoming National Games to be held in the state in 2022.

“However, priority should be to have tennis courts in all the districts of the state besides developing and maintaining the existing ones at Polo,” he asserted.

On the other hand, MTA general secretary S Nongrum said the state need to construct at least four tennis courts in order to have any ranking tournament which is recognized by the Indian Tennis Association.

He however lamented that despite having immense potential in this discipline, the state is presently having only three tennis courts.

Echoing similar concern, former MTA president Parambir Singh said the lack of support and assistance from the government has become a big hindrance to potential players in the state.

According to him, with good infrastructure still missing some of players especially those coming from rural areas of the state are practicing on the road.

Highligting on the efforts put in by the association to promote tennis in the state, Singh said regular coaching camps are being held for nurturing young and budding players including children.

It was also informed that no permanent tennis coach has been appointed so far.

Established in 2006, the MTA is also affiliated to the Meghalaya State Olympic Association.

By Our Reporter