Five juniors selected to train in Spain

Pune, Jun 2 (UNI) Five juniors from Maharashtra has been chosen to undergo a six-week intensive training at the famed Tennis Vaal Academy at Valencia, Spain, from June 17 to July 27 under the 'Vision 2010' programme of the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA).

MSLTA secretary Sharad Kanamwar, while addressing reporters here today, said the chosen five are Ronak Manuja of Pune, Mansingh Athare of Ahmednagar, junior national champion Rashmi Teltumbde, Tanvi Shah and Natalia Khanejio (all from Mumbai). They will be accompanied by former Federation Cup player and Level II coach Radhika Kanitkar-Tulpule.

MSLTA, affiliated to the All India Lawn Tennis Association (AILTA), is totally commited to produce a junior grand slam champion under their Vision 2010 plan.

Financial support has been garnered through funds from corporate houses.

Answering a query, Mr Kanamwar said the gap between foreigners and Indians have been narrowed down considerably after Sania Mirza broke into the top 50. On the other hand, the competition in the boys and mens category has been much tougher. Considering the difference in the girls and ladies, the MSLTA will be concentrating on honing the skills of junior girls more, he said.

Under the Vision 2010 plan, launched a year back, MSLTA has totally sponsored the talented juniors with an eye on the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games to be held at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports City and will be trained under world's top coaches Altur and Alvareno at the Tenis Vaal academy Valencia, Spain.

The well known academy is home to some of top the European players like Marat Safin and David Ferer, he added.

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