The Directorate of Sports and Youth Services in Maharashtra, in collaboration with the ATP Organising Committee and the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA), is expanding tennis development to district levels. They plan to organize 20 International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments with prize money ranging from USD 15,000 to USD 25,000 across various districts in the state. This initiative aims to boost tennis at grassroots levels, providing Indian players more opportunities to earn world ranking points.
MSLTA President Prashant Sutar expressed that this move signifies a crucial step to decentralize tennis from cities to rural areas in Maharashtra. By hosting ITF tournaments locally, players can gain exposure and access to necessary infrastructure without the financial burden of international travel. The event saw the presence of key figures like Secretary Sunder Iyer, Ashish Sharma (IAS), Chairman of the ITF Tournament Initiative, and Shravan Hardikar (IAS), Managing Director of MMRDA and Secretary of the ITF Tournament Initiative.
Previously, Indian players had to travel abroad to improve their rankings and qualify for Challenger-level tournaments, incurring substantial costs. With ITF tournaments now happening within Maharashtra, players have a chance to earn crucial ranking points within the country. The Government of Maharashtra, through the Urban Development Department, has issued a special GR to support this initiative, with tournaments set to take place in cities with existing tennis infrastructure or planned facilities.
To ensure successful execution, district-level committees will be formed under the guidance of Municipal Commissioners, District Collectors, and Superintendents of Police. The State Government has appointed Ashish Sharma (IAS) as Chairman and Shravan Hardikar (IAS) as Secretary for the ITF tournament initiative. Ashish Sharma (IAS) emphasized the partnership with MSLTA to nurture tennis talent and infrastructure at the grassroots, aiming to position Maharashtra as a tennis hub. Shravan Hardikar (IAS) highlighted the additional organization of All India-level junior tournaments to encourage more players to join the sport at a young age.
This strategic five-year plan underscores the Government’s commitment to elevate Maharashtra’s tennis presence globally. The inaugural tournament is scheduled in Mumbai at MSLTA from March 15 to 22, followed by Nagpur from March 22 to 29, and concluding in Sambhajinagar from March 29 to April 5.
