Fenesta Open 2026: DCM Shriram Unveils ₹11 Lakh Scholarship as Domestic Tennis Returns to Delhi

New Delhi, October 5: DCM Shriram Foundation, the CSR arm of DCM Shriram Ltd., has announced a ₹11 lakh Player Development Scholarship at the Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship, expanding its support for emerging tennis talent in India.

The scholarship, which will be awarded in addition to the tournament's prize money, will cover winners and runners-up across the Men's, Women's, U-18, U-16 and U-14 singles categories.

The Fenesta Open already offers a prize pool of more than ₹21.55 lakh, along with kit allowances for players in the junior categories. The new scholarship is aimed at helping players meet expenses directly linked to their development, including professional coaching, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and tennis equipment.

Winners in the Men's, Women's, Boys U-18 and Girls U-18 singles categories will receive ₹1.05 lakh each, while runners-up will get ₹60,000 each. Winners in the Boys and Girls U-16 and U-14 categories will receive ₹70,000, with runners-up receiving ₹40,000 each.
Ajay Shriram, Chairman and Senior Managing Director of DCM Shriram Ltd., said the initiative would extend the tournament's role beyond providing a national platform for competition.

"The Fenesta Open has been closely associated with the growth of Indian tennis for many years. With this additional scholarship, we are taking that commitment a step further by supporting players beyond the Championship and contributing to their continued development," Shriram said.

Vikram Shriram, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of DCM Shriram Ltd., said the scholarship had been designed around the practical requirements players face during their development.

"For a talented player, development does not end with a tournament. It requires continued access to good coaching, physical conditioning, physiotherapy and the right equipment," he said.

DCM Shriram's association with Indian tennis dates back more than three decades to the organisation of an Open Tennis Championship for Delhi State in 1992. The company has organised the National Hardcourt Tennis Championship annually since 1998.

The Fenesta Open has since grown into one of India's prominent domestic tennis championships, featuring men's, women's and junior competitions across U-18, U-16 and U-14 categories.

The tournament has also provided a platform for several leading Indian players, including Rohan Bopanna, Somdev Devvarman, Yuki Bhambri and Sania Mirza.

With the enhanced Player Development Scholarship, the Fenesta Open is seeking to strengthen its role in Indian tennis by not only identifying emerging players but also helping them sustain their progress beyond the tournament.