Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy (RBTA) in New Delhi has introduced the Motilal Oswal Foundation Advantage Program, designed to elevate Indian tennis talent. This partnership aims to support the country’s rising players by offering comprehensive training and resources.
Through a collaboration with the Motilal Oswal Foundation, RBTA has set up a three-year structured development pathway. The program focuses on accelerating the growth of promising athletes by providing world-class coaching, advanced sports science support, and expert guidance to help these players compete internationally.
Profiles of Promising Players Enrolled in the Program
Currently, three notable Indian tennis players have been enlisted under this initiative:
1) Vaishnavi Adkar holds the No. 2 spot nationally and is ranked 468th globally in singles. She recently became the first Indian woman in 17 years to reach the final of an ITF W100 or higher-level tournament at the KPB Trust ITF W100 Women’s Open held in Bengaluru.
2) Dhakshineswar Suresh, ranked No. 5 nationally and No. 472 worldwide in singles, was instrumental in India’s victory over the Netherlands in the Davis Cup. He won both his singles matches as well as the doubles rubber, securing a 3-2 win for the nation.
3) Prarthana Thombare, who is No. 2 in India and No. 157 in the world doubles rankings, earned a bronze medal in women’s doubles at the 2014 Asian Games alongside Sania Mirza and represented India at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Comprehensive Support System for Emerging Talent
The program offers these athletes a well-rounded range of support services including specialized coaching, physical conditioning, physiotherapy, and tournament strategy. This approach is intended to ensure readiness both on and off the court during crucial competitive periods.
Leading the coaching team is Balachandran Manikkath, a former national champion with over 30 years of coaching experience, who will be based in Bangalore and accompany players during important tournaments. The program’s physiotherapist, Isha Galgali, will also provide ongoing physical care and travel with the players to assist with recovery and conditioning.
Additionally, RBTA is actively searching to add another coach, enhancing the quality and continuity of training for the participating athletes both domestically and internationally.
Rohan Bopanna’s Vision for Indian Tennis
Rohan Bopanna, the academy’s founder and a two-time Grand Slam doubles champion, emphasized the significance of this initiative:
As RBTA completes 10 years, it is incredibly meaningful to partner with the Motilal Oswal Foundation to create structured opportunities for Indian players. This program is about providing the right ecosystem coaching, support staff, and resources so talented athletes can focus on competing and realising their potential on the global stage.
?Rohan Bopanna, Founder of RBTA
RBTA expressed its appreciation for the Motilal Oswal Foundation’s trust and commitment to fostering a stronger future for Indian tennis.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Tennis in India
As the academy enters its second decade, RBTA clearly aims to continue building pathways for emerging Indian players, with a focus on nurturing talent and contributing to the country’s growing presence in international tennis. The Motilal Oswal Foundation Advantage Program represents a strategic step toward realizing this vision by providing athletes with the necessary tools to compete on the world stage.
