Tags:
Journalism of Courage
CHANDIGARH, OCT 11: 8220;Sunil Kumar is progressing faster than expected. Winning the men8217;s singles title in the Delhi Nationals recently at the age of just 16 is more exciting. The former Punwire trainee has now got a big break and he should judiciously and objectively play more and more senior as well as junior tournaments. No body might have expected such special thing from Sunil in Delhi.8221; These views were expressed by Davis Cupper Ramesh Krishnan who is here on the invitation of Punjab Cricket Association, to inaugurate the two synthetic tennis courts at the Punjab Cricket Association Club in SAS Nagar.
Spotted under the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association Rural Development Programme, Sunil Kumar must get more exposure by playing a lot of competitions to go higher and higher. He should also play Satellites and Challengers.8221;
When pointed out that before the DSCL National, the Chandigarh player had won gold medal in singles in the Asian School Games in Jakarata, Ramesh said 8220;I cannot comment as I am not aware the standard of the Asian School tennis championship.8221;
Asked to name few players who are of the same caliber in his age group, Ramesh Krishnan said 8220;Kamala Kannan, Benjamin, Akhsay Vishal Rao, Ravi Kiran Bhat and Parantap Chaturvedi etc.8221; Playing against each others would surely raise their standards. 8220;They all fall in the 16-18 age group. One step ahead of them are Vijay Kannan, Manoj Madhadevan, Vinod Sridhar and Mustafa Ghouse are in the 19-20 age group.8221;
Regarding the Indian tennis standard, Ramesh Krishnan said 8220;The Indians Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi are going great guns in doubles. However, the same case is not in the singles. It is better if they continue to concentrate in doubles for better results.8221;
To a question whether he would advocate a draw of 64 or more instead of 32 at present in Nationals, Ramesh said 8220;by raising the draw to 64, it would dilute the value. A draw of 32 is good enough. What is the point of adding more players to the main draw if they are not of the same standard.8221;
Ramesh, who runs Krishnan tennis centre in Chennai, strongly suggests clay courts for youngsters to start with. The bounce on these courts is even. The players should gradually shift to synthetic surface. 8220;A beginner starting training on synthetic surface, is bound to face problems with the bounce which is more and it will be out of his or her reach.8221;
This year Ramesh has conducted the All India Tennis Association coaching camps for 14-to 22 years. The North Zone camp was held in April and the South Zone in Chennai from September 20 to 26. Later, Ramesh gave few valuable tips to about 30 trainees at the CLTA Complex in Sector 10. He began with imparting training by saying 8220;forehand is your most powerful weapon. Your first aim should be to clear the net and gradually improve it for accuracy. The toss for serve should not be spin. It should be straight and with proper balance. Also keep yourself on the toes while on court.8221;
