How Did DLTA Honor the Indian Davis Cup Team and Commit to Advancing Tennis in India?
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New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) The Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) celebrated the extraordinary triumph of the Indian Davis Cup team following their remarkable win against the Netherlands in the Davis Cup Qualifiers, which took place during the Delhi Open ATP Challenger event last night.
India, positioned at 33rd in the world rankings, achieved a thrilling 3-2 victory over the sixth-ranked Dutch squad in Bengaluru earlier this month, thus securing their advancement to the second round of the Davis Cup Qualifiers set for September.
Kunal, IAS, AGMUT 2005, who serves as the Joint Secretary of Sports Development at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, graced the event with his presence.
Also in attendance were Rohit Rajpal, President of DLTA; Sanjeev Kassal, President of the International Lawn Tennis Club of India; Deepak Gupta, Secretary of DLTA; Col. Ranbir Chauhan, General Secretary of Operations at DLTA; Satish Upadhyay, Senior Vice President of DLTA; John Blom, ATP Supervisor for the Delhi Open 2026; and Sumit Nagal, India’s top player and a key member of the victorious team.
During the ceremony, Rajpal underscored the association's unwavering commitment to promoting tennis in India. “At DLTA, we are devoted to fostering and enhancing Indian tennis at all levels. Honoring our Davis Cup team is an integral part of that broader vision.”
Nagal, who progressed to the second round of the Delhi Open, shared insights about his victory during a media interaction at the event.
"I believe everyone performed exceptionally well. Once you step onto the court and win your match, it becomes progressively easier. In Switzerland, I contributed two points, and in this Bangalore tie, Yuki Bhambri and Dhakshineswar Suresh captured all the points. Ultimately, the Davis Cup is a team effort, and everyone executed their roles effectively," he stated.
Nagal also commended his teammate Dhakshineswar Suresh, who secured victories in both of his singles matches against the Netherlands.
"I met him in 2016, so we've known each other for a decade. I've always been there to support him in any way possible. DK is a fantastic individual, very composed and intelligent on the court. I firmly believe he has immense potential, and I wish him all the best. Whenever he feels something is lacking or needs advice, he is quick to ask. Even during the Davis Cup match, I share my thoughts with him," Nagal noted.
Nagal indicated that India's forthcoming match against Korea in September is anticipated to be a tough challenge.
"Competing in a top 16 match means there are no easy opponents. They have consistently performed well in the Davis Cup. I understand it will be a difficult match, but if you play well, you can always create opportunities to win."