The upcoming Tabebuia Open promises to be a thrilling experience for both participants and spectators, with a lavish prize purse of Rs 3.5 lakh, thanks to L&T Technology Services’ CSR arm. With a diverse range of participants from six different states, the event is set to showcase exceptional talent in wheelchair tennis. It offers excellent match practice opportunities for players as they prepare for the Nationals taking place in Indore later this year. One particularly captivating highlight of the event is the debut of the prodigious Gujjala Raju, India’s youngest wheelchair tennis player at just 15 years old. As a product of IWTT’s Junior Program – The First Serve – in conjunction with the RDT and Nadal Foundation at Anantapur Sports Village, Raju’s performance in the Tabebuia Open is eagerly anticipated – setting the stage for intense competition and unforgettable moments on the court.
The Indian Wheelchair Tennis Tour (IWTT) serves as an incredible platform for differently abled athletes to pursue their passion for tennis, providing them with opportunities for growth and recognition. As highlighted by KP Prabhakaran, Head CSR of L&T Technology Services, and Somdev Devvarman, an Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, the tour is an inspiring event that showcases the extraordinary talents of athletes with varying abilities. Devvarman, a prominent figure in Indian tennis and a member of the IWTT advisory committee, emphasized the power of tennis to unite people and create positive change across the globe. By fostering an inclusive environment for athletes from all walks of life, the IWTT contributes significantly to breaking down barriers and promoting the limitless potential of differently abled sportspersons.
Former Davis Cupper and Asian Games medalist Prahlad Srinath recently emphasized the importance of extending equal opportunities for all athletes, regardless of their physical abilities. Srinath acknowledged the challenges presented by tennis, but noted the unwavering hard work and dedication demonstrated by wheelchair tennis players are just as admirable as those showcased by their able-bodied counterparts. In his role as Guest of Honour at a recent function, Srinath called for a greater number of opportunities to be available to these exceptional athletes. Sharing this sentiment, Ved Kumar, the General Manager of Padukone Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence, further emphasized their commitment as a venue partner to create a welcoming environment where athletes can showcase their talents, and fans can celebrate their accomplishments. This inclusive approach aims to pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future in sports.
