The Hindu : CM promises more sporting bonanzas

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 02, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad

CM promises more sporting bonanzas

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD FEB.1. Even as there was disappointment around with the withdrawal of top-seed and injured Chanda Rubin of United States for the first-ever WTA India Open tennis championship to be held at Fateh Maidan Tennis Complex here from February 3 to 8, the Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, cheered up the gathering by promising to host many more international events in future.

Speaking at a function put up to release the draws of the WTA Open, Mr. Naidu said that Hyderabad was geared up to stage any sporting event. "The successful conduct of the 32nd National Games has lifted the image of the State on the organisational front. The fact that the next edition of Afro-Asian Games has been allotted to Hyderabad itself shows our capabilities to stage mega sporting events," he said.

Mr. Naidu also hoped that the WTA Open would provide the inspiration to many youngsters to take up sport in a big way. "With world class infrastructure readily available now, the Government is willing to go out of way to help the needy sportspersons," he pointed out.

Later, he had exchanged pleasantries with the French tennis star Mary Pierce, two-time winner of French Open Grand Slam championship.

Davis Cupper, Mahesh Bhupathi, whose Globosport is organising the event, recalled the hardship faced by them in getting the event to India and also the big names for the show. Sixty players from 25 countries will be taking part in the event with a prize-money of $1,40,000 and the winner getting $22,000.

C. G. K. Bhupathi revealed that a tennis clinic would be conducted by some of the big names for children on February 3, the next day, there will be a celebrity Pro-Am event where the public can hit with personalities from tinsel town and top stars of the tournament. On February 5, former Davis Cupper, Premjit Lal, will be presented a benefit cheque after an exhibition doubles match featuring Ramanathan Krishnan, and S.P. Misra of Hyderabad.

Mr. Bhupathi also informed that on February 6, ITF Mini-Tennis for kids in the age group of four to six for would be organised.

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