22nd Eldeco Cup Tennis U16 Boys/Girls CS7 Tournament to Commence on January 6th
Lucknow: The much-anticipated 22nd Eldeco Cup Tennis U16 Boys/Girls CS7 Tournament will kick off on January 6th at the La Martiniere Tennis Facility in Lucknow. This prestigious event, held in memory of the late R.S. Sagar, has garnered attention from tennis enthusiasts nationwide. Scheduled to run from January 6th to 10th, the tournament promises to bring together some of the brightest young talents in Indian tennis.
A Platform for Future Tennis Stars
The tournament will feature a thrilling competition across two categories – Boys and Girls, with a total of 64 players. From this pool, 32 will advance to the main draw after the qualifying rounds. A total of 16 qualifying matches will take place, with the best of 3 format ensuring an exciting display of skill and endurance.
Top talent from various states will showcase their prowess on the clay courts of La Martiniere. The boys’ category will witness players from Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Bihar, Karnataka, and Assam, while the girls’ category will see contestants from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.
The event is expected to highlight Lucknow’s local talent as well, with top seed Sanidhya Dhar Dwivedi ranked 31st and Ashi Shamsheri set to compete in the Boys and Girls categories respectively. Sanidhya, known for his exceptional skills and promising career trajectory, is considered one of the top contenders.
A Rich Legacy and Future Prospects
This year, the Eldeco Cup promises to be an extraordinary showcase of national and zonal talent. The tournament features categories like CS7 and CS3, providing a national platform for young players based on their International Tennis Federation (ITF) rankings. This recognition grants them exposure and opportunities for further growth, enabling them to elevate their careers.
Prize Money and Mentoring Initiatives
The total prize money for this year’s event is set at ₹1 lakh, an attractive incentive for young players looking to make their mark on the national tennis scene.
Gopal Singh, a highly respected referee, will ensure a fair competition throughout the tournament. His presence underscores the commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity and fairness in the competition.
Historic Significance
The Eldeco Cup has a distinguished history, with its roots going back decades. Pawan Sagar, the patron of the tournament, fondly recalls the beginnings of tennis in Lucknow, especially during the early days at the Gomti Nagar Stadium when major tournaments were played on synthetic turf. “We’ve come a long way, but our foundation remains strong, and the tournament has grown tremendously. From the days when legends like Shyam Mehrotra, of All India Davis Cup fame, competed, we’ve seen the sport evolve into a professional pursuit,” he said.
Inspiring the Next Generation
One of the key factors that has led to the success of this tournament is the inspiration drawn from global tennis icons such as Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic. Youngsters in the region are now taking the sport more seriously, and many are gaining exposure at national and international levels.
The tournament’s focus on mentoring is evident, with younger players benefiting from the guidance of experienced professionals. Among the rising stars to watch out for in the upcoming tournament are names like Varun Singh, Rohin Raj, Siddhi Singh, Aditri Singh, and Ashi Shamsheri. Their performances will surely leave a lasting impact on the tennis community.
Looking Ahead
The Eldeco Cup is more than just a tournament; it is an inspiring platform for the next generation of tennis players in India. It plays a crucial role in bringing together young talent from across the country, giving them an opportunity to compete, learn, and grow in a competitive environment. With big plans for the 25th anniversary celebrations in the coming years, this tournament will continue to shape the future of Indian tennis for many years to come.
As the tournament unfolds, the organizers invite all tennis enthusiasts and media personnel to join us at La Martiniere and witness the future stars of Indian tennis in action. The event is sure to offer an exciting array of matches, promising to be a thrilling spectacle for all in attendance.
