Bengaluru, Sept 21: The Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) has entered into a strategic partnership with Yonex Sunrise as its equipment partner, marking a significant step towards strengthening the development of tennis in Karnataka.
Under the partnership, Yonex Sunrise will support KSLTA-conducted tournaments with tennis balls and equipment, while also providing kits to deserving and promising players identified by KSLTA. The initiative is aimed at helping young players access quality equipment and creating a stronger pathway for talent development from the grassroots to the competitive level.
The partnership was formally announced at an event at the SM Krishna Tennis Satdium, which also featured a kit distribution ceremony for selected players, followed by an interaction between Yonex Sunrise representatives, KSLTA officials, coaches and academy representatives.
Announcing the partnership, Maheshwar Rao, IAS, Chief Commissioner, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and Hon. Secy, KSLTA, said: “KSLTA is committed to creating a stronger and more inclusive pathway for the development of tennis in Karnataka. Our partnership with Yonex Sunrise goes beyond equipment support. It is about investing in our players, supporting our tournaments and strengthening our coaching ecosystem. The assistance extended to deserving players will be particularly valuable as we look to identify and nurture talent from the grassroots. We are delighted to welcome Yonex Sunrise as our equipment partner and look forward to a long and meaningful association.”
The collaboration will also see Yonex Sunrise engage with the coaching community through product demonstrations and discussions around player development, equipment and the evolving needs of competitive tennis.
Vikramaditya Dhar, Managing Director & CEO, Yonex Sunrise India, said: “Tennis in India has enormous potential, and Karnataka has consistently been an important centre for the development of players and coaches. Yonex has a long-standing heritage in tennis, working closely with players and professionals globally, and we see an opportunity to bring that experience to the development of the sport in India. Our partnership with KSLTA is an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to that ecosystem. We want to ensure that deserving young players have access to quality equipment and that tournaments have the support they need to provide a good competitive environment. Most importantly, we hope this association will help encourage more youngsters to take up tennis and pursue the sport seriously.”
The partnership is expected to benefit players across various age groups participating in KSLTA tournaments and development programmes. With KSLTA conducting a regular calendar of junior and senior competitions across Karnataka, the association with Yonex Sunrise is aimed at creating a stronger competitive environment and providing greater opportunities for emerging players.
Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Yajman, Hon. Joint Secretary, AITA and Hon. Jt. Secy, KSLTA, added: “For a young player, the right equipment and the opportunity to compete regularly can make a real difference. This partnership allows us to support players at an important stage of their development while also strengthening our events. We are particularly happy that Yonex Sunrise shares our vision of taking tennis deeper into the grassroots and helping Karnataka produce the next generation of players.”
The partnership announcement was followed by the distribution of Yonex kits to selected players and a Coach Meet-Up, providing coaches and academy representatives an opportunity to interact with the Yonex Sunrise team, understand the latest equipment and discuss player-development requirements.
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