Sport - Tennis

Top coach endorses centralised system

KOLKATA: A centralised training programme and upgrading the coaches’ education are two essential needs for developing tennis in the country, says Doug MacCurdy the former director of development of the International Tennis Federation.

“There is a debate on whether training programmes should be centralised or it needs to be spread out. I would prefer a centralised system for advanced players in India,” said MacCurdy, who is in the country to assist in the development of tennis in a project offered by the ITF through the Olympic Solidarity Fund.

MacCurdy said it was essential to upgrade coaching education and incorporate a national team system, which will help the young players get more international exposure. “It is more about keeping continuity with specific target in mind. A travelling national team can give the young players the much required international exposure,” he said.

MacCurdy said that there is no dearth of talent in the country but the national body should sustain programmes it plans. “It is not difficult to put an action plan in place. But the difficult part is keeping it running. Continuity is key,” he said. MacCurdy said that he was in discussions on various development aspects with the AITA. “The final blueprint, hopefully, will be ready by the year end,” he said.

He said Yuki Bhambri was the most promising junior on Indian tennis scene. “He is 16 and is fifth in the world junior rankings. He is currently one the best juniors in the world,” MacCurdy said.

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