Solaris inks MoU with Connors to develop India's first Sports Resort

Mumbai, Sep 10 (UNI) Pune-based Solaris today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with international estate management company Saville, that has roped in tennis legend Jimmy Connors to develop the country's first Sports Resort at Pune.

The Sports Resort is being planned in the Mumbai-Pune- Goa triangle, said Jayant Pawar, the founder and director of Club Solaris, at the signing of the MoU. The Sports Resort, which will be constructed on an area of 200 acres, will house a residential tennis academy, a 18 hole PGA Signature Golf Course, a Five star hotel and an international standard Health SPA and around 100 exclusive villas.

Speaking on the occasion, Connors, winner of seven Grand Slam events, including five US Open and two Wimbledon championships, said, ''This is the first time that I would be starting an academy, and I'm very happy that the academy will be in India. Having good friends on the tour like the Amritraj brothers and Ramesh Krishnan, I've never been to the country, but this is my first visit and I look forward to successfully taking this academy forward.'' Connors said that creating champions was not just hitting balls but also providing other opportunities and was sure that the academy will provide players in the country with these opportunities with an aim of churning out champions.

Connors said that it was indeed an privilege to come to this great country. ''I've been choosy when it comes to put in my signature on anything from balls, racquets, or shoes and this partnership. I'm happy to be a part of this academy and would like to put in all effort to see it succeeds,'' he added.

The finer details of the resort are being finalised and will be formally launched and announced in a few months, Mr Pawar said.

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