Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy Marks a Decade of Nurturing Tennis Talent in India
Celebrating 10 Years of RBTA
The Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy (RBTA) proudly commemorates its 10th anniversary, highlighting its commitment to fostering tennis talent in India. The academy has unveiled the Motilal Oswal Foundation Advantage Program, a significant collaboration aimed at empowering the next generation of elite tennis players in the country.
Strategic Partnership with Motilal Oswal Foundation
In partnership with the Motilal Oswal Foundation, RBTA has launched a three-year development initiative focused on nurturing and advancing emerging Indian talent. This program will provide structured support, top-tier coaching, and sports science expertise to prepare players for international competition.
Notable Players Enrolled in the Program
Currently, RBTA has signed three promising athletes as part of this initiative:
1. **Vaishnavi Adkar**: Ranked No. 2 in India and No. 468 globally, she recently made history by being the first Indian woman in 17 years to reach the finals of an ITF W100 event at the KPB Trust ITF W100 Women's Open in Bengaluru.
2. **Dhakshineswar Suresh**: Holding the No. 5 spot in India and No. 472 worldwide, he played a pivotal role in India's recent Davis Cup victory, winning both singles matches and contributing to the doubles win against the Netherlands.
3. **Prarthana Thombare**: Currently No. 2 in doubles in India and No. 157 in the world, she earned a bronze medal in women's doubles at the 2014 Asian Games alongside Sania Mirza and represented India at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Holistic Support and Expert Coaching
Participants in the Motilal Oswal Foundation Advantage Program will benefit from extensive support, including coaching, physical conditioning, physiotherapy, and tournament planning. Balachandran Manikkath, a former national champion with over 30 years of coaching experience, will lead the program from Bangalore and accompany players during significant tournaments. Additionally, Isha Galgali will serve as the physiotherapist, ensuring athletes receive optimal physical care and recovery support while traveling.
Bopanna's Vision for Indian Tennis
Rohan Bopanna, the founder of RBTA and a two-time Grand Slam champion, expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, stating, "As we celebrate a decade of RBTA, partnering with the Motilal Oswal Foundation to create structured opportunities for Indian players is incredibly meaningful. This program aims to provide the right ecosystem—coaching, support staff, and resources—allowing talented athletes to focus on competing and realizing their potential on the global stage."
RBTA extends heartfelt thanks to the Motilal Oswal Foundation for their commitment to building a brighter future for Indian tennis. As the academy embarks on its second decade, it remains dedicated to creating pathways for talented players and enhancing the growth of tennis throughout the nation.
