Sport - Tennis

Stay committed, Amritraj tells juniors

— PHOTO: AP

Vijay Amritraj.

BANGALORE: The Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj called for strong and unequivocal commitment from junior players for success in their career. “Nothing will be achieved if they don’t make any commitment and that’s what I did in my youth and in my prime, taking injuries, surgeries and setbacks in my stride.

“Our juniors are all standing at the basement and they should look up at the pinnacle and work their way up. And they stumble here and there, but the journey should continue”, said Amritraj, in chat with The Hindu here.

Amritraj said youngsters now have lot more opportunities compared to his days. “We had very few events , but today there are more than 50 tournaments for both seniors and juniors at all levels and what the AITA had done for youngsters in recent years, is really admirable.”

Vijay Amritraj, who is also brand ambassador for Good Earth Junior Series for under-14 and under-16 players, said events conducted by Good Earth form an important component in development of the game at the grassroots. Why I consider this as important is that when most sponsors look for big event which would get them mileage, Good Earth chose to put in, what I would call as ‘seed money’ into junior game for its growth. I appreciate anyone who does that”, said Amritraj.

Amritraj said it is also the duty of the National and state associations to unearth and nurture young talent and private academies’ role is also very important, he added. He cited the example of BAT run by his mother Margaret Amritraj, which was a trend-setter for many such academies including MRF Pace Foundation.

The Indian maestro also stressed on the need for merit-based selection and training”. If tomorrow, Prakash is not good enough for the Davis Cup team, I will be the first person to say so, A player is as good as he plays, there is no question of sentiments on that score”, asserted Amritraj.

Amritraj spent some time advising the young Shabaaz Khan, 16-year old champion of the Good Earth Masters series and asked the youngster to keep his fitness and focus in the game.

“There is a long road ahead of you and you must make the best of the chances that come your way”, said Amritraj. Good Earth plans to send Shabaaz and other winners of the its Masters event for a stint of training in Europe.

“Look what you are getting and I wish I too could turn the clock back,” said Amritraj in jest, before sauntering off for a practice session with his brother Anand.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu