How Are India’s Billie Jean King Cup Stars Inspiring Karnataka’s Future Tennis Players?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Routine and repetition are essential for success in tennis.
- Discipline is crucial for managing pressure.
- Nerves can be utilized positively in competitive scenarios.
- The importance of mentorship in developing future talent.
- Engagement with established players enhances learning opportunities.
Bengaluru, Nov 11 (NationPress) India’s top tennis athletes paused their training for the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs to connect with Karnataka’s rising tennis stars during a unique meet-and-greet session. This event was held at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru, just before the Play-offs set for November 14 to 16.
The gathering featured notable players including Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Ankita Raina, Riya Bhatia, and Prarthana Thambore, who are members of Team India for the upcoming Play-offs, alongside promising young tennis talents from Karnataka. The interaction included a lively exchange of questions and personal experiences, with the country’s elite players offering valuable insights from their professional careers.
Prarthana Thambore emphasized the significance of routine in sports, stating, “It’s not about introducing something new in a high-pressure situation. It’s about having confidence in what you’ve practiced countless times before. You engage in the same drills repeatedly, and with enough repetition, it becomes instinctual.”
Supporting this idea, Ankita Raina remarked, “You can’t expect results from a single meditation session. It’s about consistent practice and building a disciplined approach. This is what keeps you centered and better prepared for pressure.”
Adding her thoughts, Riya Bhatia shared a refreshing take on managing nerves: “Feeling nervous is perfectly normal. Even after numerous matches, we still experience it. Nerves indicate that you care; it’s about channeling that energy positively.”
Among the excited attendees were 16-year-olds Meghana G.D, Adira Badri Prasad, Aditi Khanapuri, and 14-year-old Chowdhury. They expressed their enthusiasm after meeting the national team. “I’m thrilled to meet all the players and am eagerly looking forward to watching them compete in Bengaluru. Ankita Raina is my favorite, so this is a memorable occasion for me. Her serve is amazing, and I can’t wait to learn from her,” said Meghana.
Shreeniti added, “It’s a privilege to be here and witness Team India in training. Observing their preparations has taught me a great deal.”