NDHTA getting ready for ITF women’s event

CITY PLAYERS CAN BE SEEN IN ACTION AS WILDCARD ENTRIES

By Paritosh Pramanik

WORKERS were busy sprinkling murum soil on the courts. Heavy watering and then rolling followed the procedure. This routine is being done for the past one week at the Nagpur District Hardcourt Tennis Association (NDHTA) Courts in Bajiprabhu Nagar. The venue is being getting ready for the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) Women’s Championship which is going to be held in city for the first time in two decades from February 28.

All India Tennis Association (AITA) and Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) have allotted the 15,000$ prize money women’s event to the city a couple of months back.

The preparation is in full swing and members of NDHTA are working round the clock to prepare four clay courts for the competition which will see some top women tennis players of the world participate.

“We are very excited and will make it a memorable event,” Vikram Naidu, Joint Secretary, NDHTA, told ‘The Hitavada’ on Saturday morning.

Despite COVID restrictions, the association continued their preparation work and are happy that they are on time and will be ready when the competition starts.

“On Monday we received a few trucks of murum for clay courts. We have started preparing the courts. Only two clay courts need repair work. The remaining two needs just touch-ups,” said Vijay Naidu, Treasurer, NDHTA.

The officials are upbeat as they have the opportunity to field three wildcards for the competition.

“We can field two wildcards in qualifying draw and one in main draw. We are happy that some of the city players will get chance to play and gain some valuable ranking points,” said Vijay Naidu.

The qualifying draw will be of 48 while the main draw will be of 32 players.

The organisers are expecting the courts to be ready in a couple of weeks.

“Members of MSLTA and AITA will be visiting in next 12-14 days to inspect the preparation. We are doing all we can. Our Secretary Dr Sudhir Bhiwapurkar is at Pune for Tata Open. He will join us on Monday,” added Vijay.

The tournament had a prize money of $25,000 but due to COVID, it has been reduced to $15,000.

“It’s not in our hands (the prize money). It’s ITF who decides it. We are making available all the facilities required by the ITF and AITA. It is a long list and we will try to fulfill all of them. We are searching sponsors also. Hope corporates from Nagpur show some benevolence,” said Vikram Naidu.