The Indian team is set to kick off their campaign in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tournament against Thailand at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) Stadium on Tuesday. Captain Vishal Uppal expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and preparation to showcase their best in front of the home crowd. Despite the weather conditions in Delhi, Uppal emphasized the team’s solid practice sessions and their determination to perform at their peak.
The Indian squad comprises Vaishnavi Adkar, Sahaja Yamalappalli, Ankita Raina, Rutuja Bhosale, and Zeel Desai, who was a last-minute addition due to injuries to Shrivalli Bhamidipaty and Vaidehee Chaudhari. Uppal highlighted the depth of Indian women’s tennis, mentioning the availability of multiple options for the singles lineup without revealing specific selections for the first match. He acknowledged the strength of the team and the positive problem of having various talented players to choose from.
21-year-old Vaishnavi Adkar, who recently attained the top spot in India’s rankings, expressed her pride in representing the country and her excitement for her national team debut. Adkar emphasized the privilege of playing alongside her teammates and the anticipation for the upcoming matches. Veteran player Ankita Raina, with over a decade of experience playing for India, echoed the captain’s confidence, stressing the team’s preparedness and familiarity with their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.
The Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) hosted a welcoming dinner for the participating teams, blending culture and sport ahead of the intense competition. The event, attended by players and officials from various countries, including India, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand, and Thailand, set a harmonious tone for the upcoming matches. Uppal expressed optimism about the strong home support from Delhi NCR, hoping for a successful tournament and a joyous outcome for the Indian team at their favored venue.
