Assam Tennis Scenario... a Nostalgic Past and a Promising Future

A large share of credit for Assam's present tennis scenario must go to a set of young, committed and dedicated tennis administrators. Mention must be made of the efficient, active and sincere efforts of the Honorary General Secretary of All Assam Tennis Association and also the secretary of NETF, Ankush Dutta. Dutta with active support from others has been endeavouring sincerely to upgrade coaching facilities for youngsters. Tennis has now become accessible to the 'hoi-polloi' and is not for the rich alone. 

In the midst of the mind-boggling strides of science and technology and the resultant development of visual media enabling us to witness all major sporting events of the world sitting in our drawing rooms; the promising performance of Kristi Bodo, a young Guwahati girl at the all India level (she represented India at the under 14 age group) has been very encouraging.

Kristi Bodo is now all set to join Stony Brook University, USA on a full state funded sports scholarship where she would be allowed to pursue her Bachelors degree too. Kristi's performance comes as a logical sequel to another outstanding little girl, Priyana Kalita who was awarded a full sports scholarship in USA by Florida University's Sports Management Department. Priyana is now playing and coaching regularly at the US after completing her Master's degree (from there). Both Priyana and Kristi are the products of All Assam North East Tennis foundation (NETF), Last Gate, Guwahati. Further Lenien Jamir; coached and groomed at Chachal's All Assam Tennis Complex, has recently emerged as a champion at the all India level tennis tournament held at Gurgaon. Jamir also ranks within 40 in the national level girls' tennis circuit. These positive developments augur well for the state tennis scenario and it is felt that given the right coaching and encouragement, the youngsters of the state would perform better in near future.

For a regular fan of tennis, it would be an interesting piece of information that the Sivasagar Tennis Club was established way back in 1901 thereby making it older than even Calcutta South Club, famously described as the 'Cradle of Indian Tennis'. Calcutta Tennis Club was established in 1920. Sivasagar Tennis Club located near the historic 'Borpukhuri' continues to be an important venue for the tennis players of all age groups.

Dibrugarh tennis had seen the best of its days from the mid 60s. The Jorhat Tennis Club, of course, is marching ahead to glory due to the unflinching efforts of Raktim Saikia, who is also the treasurer of 'AITA.'

India club, established in 1932, has been the nerve centre of Tennis promoting the cause of the game in a disciplined and dignified manner. The high tennis tradition is maintained in India Club scrupulously. The veterans congregate unfailingly every day to play here besides imparting coaching to the youngsters.

The legendary R. G. Baruah had given a fillip to the state's tennis scenario by creating tennis infrastructure at the Nehru stadium in 1965. Late Pulin Das, a quintessential sports lover and organiser, had provided the support. Famed coaches were brought in to inspire the young talents. Guwahati became one of the venues to hold 'Circuit Tennis' and the tennis connoisseurs could watch live remarkable tennis from the likes of Nastase, Premjitlal and Joydeep Mukherjee, Amritraj brothers etc.

The North East Tennis Foundation with a huge complex having three clay courts near the last gate of Dispur has contributed to whet the appetite for tennis of aspiring young boys and girls. The availability of trained coaches has come as a boon for the enlightened parents who were keen to see their children initiated to tennis.

In consonance with the National Games held at Guwahati in 2006; the sprawling and massive All Assam Tennis Association Complex at Chachal has been set up with all amenities and facilities matching international standards. The synthetic courts coupled with excellent lighting facilities in the backdrop of picturesque scenic beauty make the complex attractive. Nearly, 160 youngsters are being coached here. In the recent past, participants of 'SAF Games', 2016, have showered generous praises on the facilities, ambience and quality of Çhachal's infrastructure.

A large share of credit for Assam's present tennis scenario must go to a set of young, committed and dedicated tennis administrators. Mention must be made of the efficient, active and sincere efforts of the Honorary General Secretary of All Assam Tennis Association and also the secretary of NETF, Ankush Dutta. Dutta with active support from others has been endeavouring sincerely to upgrade coaching facilities for youngsters. Tennis has now become accessible to the 'hoi-polloi' and is not for the rich alone.

In the southern part of Assam, Silchar Tennis Club has been rendering pioneering services since 1944. Established at the initiative of Late Satindra Mohon Dev and ably assisted by the likes of J.M Dasgupta, (who is popularly known in tennis circles as Batuda) Silchar Tennis Club has stood the test of time. Santosh Mohon Dev, the ex-union minister and a tennis player of repute has also contributed immensely to this club.

Assam tennis lovers still recollect with pride the feats of Susanne Das and Bidyut Goswami who became national champions in the women's and men's category respectively in the early 70s.

We look forward and hope that the promising youngsters would bring laurels to themselves and the state in near future.

By Gautam Ganguly

Also Read: About Teeth Discolouration

Also Watch: