RTNarayan memorial tennis from Dec. 9

Bangalore: Tennis connoisseurs in the city will always remember R.T Narayan as a man whose passion for the sport was heartening and encouraging. Taking his love for tennis forward, his foster daughter, actress and Member of Parliament Ramya on Wednesday announced the inaugural AITA National Series RT Narayan Memorial Cup U-16 tournament.

The tournament for boys and girls will he held at the KSLTA and Mahila Seva Samaj courts from December 9-15.

“My father loved sport in general. He enjoyed playing tennis and was passionate about the sport. I just want to do everything he wanted to do especially for sport and children,” said Ramya.

Narayan, who passed away earlier this year owing to a heart attack, also helped budding players, an initiative the young actress want to take forward.

“I want to continue helping children in whatever way I can. We have started by helping Nikshep and will also help other upcoming athletes,” said Ramya who also unveiled the tro
phy which has been designed by the renowned Michael Foley.

To encourage players and reduce their financial burden, the organisers have also decided to hand out a daily allowance of Rs. 800.

Karnataka’s challenge in the event will be led by B.R.

Nikshep who is also the country’s top-ranked U-16 player. Joining him in the challenge are other local lads including C. Vasisht, Vignesh Subramanyan and Siddharath Arya.

In the girls’ section, Soha S, who is currently ranked 34th in the country, will headline the hosts’ charge.