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Somdev Devvarman all set to head Centre of Excellence at DLTA

Former tennis star Somdev Devvarman to take up new challenge

By PTI

New Delhi, July 26: A Centre of Excellence, under the guidance of Somdev Devvarman, will soon be established at the DLTA to provide coaching to budding players but the development has cast a doubt over the future of the grassroots level programme, which has been running there for four decades.

Scouting has begun for coaches, sports psychologist and physios, who will work in tandem at the upcoming National Academy, which will have involvement of the Sports Ministry.

Somdev Devvarman file picture

Under the supervision of India's former number one singles player Somdev, who is also a government observer for the sport, a comprehensive plan has been submitted by the All India Tennis Association (AITA) to the Sports Ministry for approval.

The Academy will accommodate about 300 kids for coaching and at least 100 of them will be able to stay after relocating from their respective states.

"Who can be better than Somdev to plan such a project. He is Commonwealth Games and also Asian Games gold medallist," said AITA Secretary General Hironmoy Chatterjee, confirming the development.

However, it has put a question mark over future of Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA)'s junior coaching program which one of the oldest in country, and close to 20 coaches who are working there for more than 20 years.

Asked specifically about the future of DLTA coaching programme, Chatterjee did not reveal if it will continue or taken off or merged with the upcoming Centre of Excellence.

When Somdev was contacted, he refused comment, saying the project was still taking shape.

PTI

Story first published: Tuesday, August 8, 2017, 11:07 [IST]
Other articles published on Aug 8, 2017