- 350 top senior players participate from across India
- 3% reservation in government jobs and ₹4 crore cash incentives for sportspersons: SAP Chairman Ravi Naidu
The 19th All India Senior Tennis Association (AISTA) All India National Ranking Tennis Championship was grandly inaugurated on Tuesday evening at the Officers Club, Visakhapatnam. The tournament was officially launched with the lighting of the lamp by Visakhapatnam Member of Parliament Sri Bharat and Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Sports Authority (SAP), Sri Ravi Naidu.
The prestigious championship has attracted around 350 senior tennis players from various states across the country, marking Visakhapatnam as a prominent venue for national-level sporting events.
Speaking on the occasion, MP Sri Bharat expressed his happiness over Visakhapatnam hosting a national-level tennis tournament. He noted that tennis is a sport that demands not only physical fitness but also high levels of concentration, with players often competing continuously for 4–5 hours. He emphasized that sport should be embraced not only for competition but also for maintaining lifelong health. He further stated that since Ravi Naidu assumed charge as SAP Chairman, the revival of sports culture in Andhra Pradesh is clearly visible, and expressed confidence that the state will be developed into a sports hub within the next three years.
Addressing the gathering, SAP Chairman Ravi Naidu highlighted the coalition government’s strong commitment to the development of sports in Andhra Pradesh. He announced that the government is strictly implementing 3% horizontal reservation for sportspersons in government jobs, ensuring a secure future for athletes. He also revealed that nearly ₹4 crore is being distributed as cash incentives to meritorious sportspersons excelling in various disciplines. Referring to past developments, he stated that land earlier earmarked for sports infrastructure at Bheemunipatnam, which was diverted for a helipad by the previous government, has now been re-allocated exclusively for sports development by the present government.
The event was attended by former Andhra Pradesh DGP N. Sambasiva Rao, Tournament Director K. Satish, Officers Club Vice President Dr. Santaram, CMMR Group Chairman Mavuri Venkata Ramana, Organising Secretary DSN Raju, and other dignitaries.
The championship features Singles and Doubles events for senior players aged 35 to 75 years and will continue until January 30. Winners will receive a prize money of ₹4 lakh along with valuable national ranking points.