KSLTA Stadium Now Honors SM Krishna as SM Krishna Tennis Stadium
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Synopsis
The Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association has renamed its stadium in Cubbon Park to honor the late SM Krishna, a former Chief Minister and long-time president of KSLTA. The event included scholarship awards for young players, celebrating Krishna's legacy in promoting tennis across Karnataka.
Key Takeaways
- Renaming of KSLTA stadium to SM Krishna Tennis Stadium.
- Awarding of Rs 12 lakhs in scholarships to young players.
- SM Krishna's significant contributions to Karnataka tennis.
- Plans for a new tennis complex near Kempegowda International Airport.
- Upcoming SM Krishna Memorial Tournament from April 1 to 6.
Bengaluru, March 28 (NationPress) In a heartfelt tribute to the late SM Krishna, former Chief Minister of Karnataka and dedicated President of the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), the state apex body has officially renamed the KSLTA stadium, located in the beautiful heart of the city - Cubbon Park, to SM Krishna Tennis Stadium.
To commemorate this significant occasion, scholarships totaling Rs 12 lakhs were awarded to 10 promising young tennis players from Karnataka.
Krishna, a passionate tennis supporter, led KSLTA as its president from 1999 to 2019. He also held the position of Life President of AITA from 2015 to 2023.
With a deep love for the sport and a vision to elevate it, Krishna was key in revitalizing the KSLTA facility, transforming it from a dilapidated clay court into a modern tennis stadium nestled in the city’s lush greenery.
He played a pivotal role in attracting world-class tournaments to Bengaluru, including the Legends Tour, ATP World Doubles Championships, and the WTA Indian Open, where tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams captivated the local fans.
Under his guidance, tennis flourished in Karnataka, reaching tier-2 cities and various districts. Today, ITF tournaments are hosted in over 12 districts, making Karnataka the only state with the infrastructure to hold international competitions, including ITF and ATP Challenger events.
Prema, reflecting on her husband’s passion for tennis, shared, “I recall during the parliament elections when it became clear we might not win, he was already dressed in his tennis gear, eager to play. His love for the sport was profound, and playing sports is vital for mental and physical well-being. While our family is grateful to KSLTA for this tribute, I urge the affluent community in Bangalore and the IT sector to invest in tennis courts to support young aspiring tennis talent.”
During the event, R Ashoka, President of KSLTA, remarked, “SM Krishna had immense affection for this sport. He frequently mentioned Wimbledon when I visited him. This stadium is a testament to his dedication. He was a role model for us, and we are thrilled to rename this stadium to honor him. Additionally, we have been allocated seven acres of land by the government near Kempegowda International Airport to develop a state-of-the-art tennis complex. I am also pleased to announce that each year, alongside the SM Krishna Memorial Tournament, we will award the SM Krishna Memorial Scholarship to upcoming tennis players from the state.
Sunder Raju, former Honorary Secretary and a key figure in KSLTA, noted, “Not only in Karnataka, but the trajectory of tennis in India was shaped by SM Krishna. We didn’t have the stadium we see today. When the opportunity arose to host the ATP World Doubles Championship shortly after his election as KSLTA President in 1999-2000, he immediately agreed. India was the last to create and run an independent ATP World Doubles Championship, and we never looked back.”
Reflecting on the vital role of KSLTA under Krishna's leadership in his own tennis journey, Rohan Bopanna stated, “I was only 19 years old when the World Doubles took place in Bangalore, and witnessing so many international players compete here was incredibly inspiring. To see all the growth today and to have this iconic stadium named after him is a true honor. Under Krishna's leadership, tennis expanded to more than 12 districts in Karnataka, and I was among the players who traveled to those districts, enjoying the atmosphere and playing before enthusiastic crowds. I truly hope the vision shared today to expand tennis to 30 districts is realized. The toughest challenge was obtaining visas, as many young players abandon tennis due to travel difficulties. I hope this journey we began for tennis in the state continues to progress in the right direction.”
The newly renamed stadium is set to host the SM Krishna Memorial Tournament - an ITF Men’s M25 event with a prize pool of 30,000 USD, running from April 1 to 6. The qualifying rounds will take place on March 30 and 31, with the main draw scheduled from April 1 to 6.
