Jaipur, Dec 2 (NationPress) Australian tennis coach Todd Clark, a prominent personality in Indian tennis and a dedicated advocate of the Khelo India initiative, asserts that the Khelo India Games will significantly enhance India's sports landscape in the long run, providing teenagers with invaluable opportunities to engage in sports.

Having made India his home since 2008, Clark has deeply immersed himself in the local culture. He currently holds the position of Director of Tennis at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha and is actively mentoring players at the Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025.

"The Khelo India games are a remarkable addition to this country. There is nothing more concerning than a bored teenager. These games have opened doors for teens across the nation to embrace sports, excel in them, and potentially build a career. Sports also cultivate character," Clark shared with SAI Media.

With over 30 years of coaching experience, Clark praised the Government of India for launching the Khelo India initiative. "The current Central Government is very enthusiastic about promoting a fit India. These games will foster health and wellness among the youth and enhance infrastructure. I am truly impressed with the facilities I've seen in Jaipur so far," he remarked.

After relocating to India, Clark began his coaching career at the Harvest Tennis Academy in Punjab. He has also coached in both Gujarat and Haryana. Notably, he was part of the Indian team when Vaishnavi Adkar from Pune clinched a bronze medal in women's singles at the 2025 Summer World University Games, marking India’s first-ever women’s tennis medal at the event, with the previous medal being a silver won by Nandan Bal in 1979.

Clark sees immense talent and potential in Indian tennis. "India has a wealth of talent, but talent identification could be improved. Advising children on the right sports to pursue is essential. For instance, a certain height is advantageous for tennis; thus, a child who is 5'4” may need guidance to select a sport that suits them better. Proper advice for players is crucial," he emphasized.

Clark also highlighted the pressing need for increased financial support for players transitioning from junior to senior levels. "While there are many opportunities for junior players in India, the senior level lacks sufficient prospects. They often need to travel abroad to seek opportunities, which can be quite costly. Tennis is an expensive sport, and this issue needs addressing. It is a significant reason why Indian players who excel at the junior level struggle to maintain their success as seniors," he explained.