Mission Olympic Cell Clears Funding for Yuki Bhambri, Sumit Nagal; Dhakshineswar Suresh Added to Target Asian Games Group

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The Mission Olympic Cell under SAI has approved funding. The decision covered tennis players Yuki Bhambri and Sumit Nagal. Emerging player Dhakshineswar Suresh was also recommended for TAGG. These approvals came during MOC's 169th meeting in New Delhi. The focus remained on the Asian Games 2026 and Davis Cup qualifiers.

MOC cleared ₹28.89 lakh for Yuki Bhambri. The support covered training and events from February to September 2026. His calendar included 33 weeks, or 231 days. The plan featured ATP events, Grand Slams and circuit training. The funding aligned with his professional schedule during that period.

Under TAGG, Bhambri received backing for personal physiotherapy services. His physio Daniel Hatch would assist during training and matches. The support covered Davis Cup duties in September and Asian Games 2026. Bhambri reached Round 3 at the 2026 Australian Open doubles. He made 2025 US Open doubles semi-finals. He is World No. 23 doubles and Asian No. 1.

MOC approved ₹27.51 lakh for Sumit Nagal. The assistance supported his programme from March to October 2026. His calendar included ATP Challenger and ATP Tour events. It also featured ATP Masters 1000 tournaments and three Grand Slams. These were Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. He would additionally play Davis Cup and the Asian Games 2026.

TAGG recommended Nagal's coaching support for 70 days. The period ran from March to May 2026. Training would take place at Nensel Academy Tennis School. Coaches Sascha Nensel and Milos Galecic would guide him. Nagal, 28, is India's No. 1 singles player. He is World No. 282, with a career-high 68 in 2024.

Nagal recently returned from injury to competitive action. He reached the Round of 16 at ATP 75 Pune. He matched that result at ATP 75 Delhi. He also played the Davis Cup tie against the Netherlands. That tie took place in Bengaluru last month. His recent schedule supported his national team responsibilities.

Dhakshineswar Suresh joined TAGG as a rising player. His inclusion reflected promise in singles and doubles formats. He has six wins over top-200-ranked players. That run included a victory against a top-100 opponent. These results suggested the capacity to compete at higher levels.

Dhakshineswar impressed during India's Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers. India faced the Netherlands in February 2026. He contributed to all three Indian wins there. He won singles matches against World No. 88 and 162. He then partnered with Bhambri to secure the doubles match. The result sent India to the Davis Cup World Group.

The victory carried historical weight for Indian tennis. India reached the Davis Cup World Group stage again. The team last appeared there in 2011. Dhakshineswar's addition raised TAGG tennis numbers to 12. The scheme began in 2025 under the Sports Ministry. It mirrored TOPS and backed medal prospects for Aichi-Nagoya 2026.