Date:20/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/20/stories/2004122006501800.htm

Sport - Sports : General

Wheelchair tennis clinic opened

BANGALORE, DEC. 19. Wheelchair tennis in the country has taken a big step forward with the Internaitonal Tennis Federation taking India under its `Silver Fund' programme to develop the game for the physically challenged.

For this purpose, the ITF has deputed Dutch expert John Noakes to the country to conduct a series of clinics. Mr. Noakes who has conducted clinics in New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Chennai is now in Bangalore.

"It is the ability that counts and not the disability," said Mr. Noakes, who launched the programme at the KSLTA Stadium courts here on Saturday.

The chief coach of the Delhi Tennis Association, Narsingh, said the AITA was seriously taking up the cause of wheelchair tennis, involving State associations and leading Indian wheelchair tennis player Boniface Prabhu of Bangalore.