Kia Tennis Premier League Launches Grassroots Programme to Build India’s Next Generation of Tennis Talent

India's next generation of tennis players will get a broader development platform as the Kia Tennis Premier League (TPL), in partnership with Kia India and its eight franchise teams, has launched a nationwide grassroots initiative.

The programme combines TPL 1000 tournaments with two-day development camps, giving junior players an opportunity to compete while also receiving guidance in areas beyond regular tennis training.

The eight participating franchises - GS Delhi Aces, Gujarat Panthers, Mumbai Royals, Rajasthan Rangers, Lucknow Blazers, Kolkata Thunder Blades, Gurgaon Grand Slammers and Hyderabad Strikers - will conduct the camps in their respective cities.

The programme covers Under-10, Under-12, Under-14 and Under-18 categories for both boys and girls. The two-day format follows a rotational structure, with one age group playing competitive matches while others participate in specialised sessions focused on nutrition, fitness, physiotherapy and sports psychology.

Sessions will involve professionals from Cafe Nutrition, Nudge Sports and other fitness and physiotherapy experts. TPL team mentors will also interact with players, sharing insights on match preparation, handling different conditions and developing the mindset required at higher levels.

The initiative comes against the backdrop of India's current men's singles tennis landscape. According to TPL, India currently has no men's singles player in the ATP Top 200, while the country's last Olympic tennis medal came in 1996 through Leander Paes.

Speaking about the programme, Kia Tennis Premier League Co-Founder Kunal Thakkur said: "India currently does not have a men's singles player in the ATP Top 200, while our last Olympic tennis medal came in 1996 through Leander Paes. What we are doing today is taking the first step towards addressing this gap. With TPL grassroots tournaments already in full swing across the country and several initiatives planned for juniors, we are building a stronger pathway for young players to develop, compete and eventually reach the highest levels of the sport."

TPL Co-Founder Mrunal Jain added: "RTG Scholarship has shown us the impact of giving young players the right support and exposure. These camps build on that foundation by combining competitive tennis with guidance across fitness, physiotherapy, nutrition and sports psychology. Our aim is to help every participant learn, grow and see a clear pathway towards Tennis and beyond."

The first camps were held in Delhi and Gujarat on September 19 and 20, attracting around 300 participants in Delhi and 250 in Gujarat.

The programme will next travel to Mumbai (October 10-11), Jaipur (October 17-18), Kolkata and Lucknow (October 31-November 1), Gurgaon (November 14-15), and Hyderabad (November 28-29).