Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh signs MoU with Zeeshan Ali

VIJAYAWADA: AP Tennis’ future looks bright after Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) entered into an MoU with Bengaluru-based Zeeshan Ali tennis academy here on Thursday to promote the game in a big way in 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh. Speaking to media along with Zeeshan Ali, the current Indian Davis Cup team’s chief coach, SAAP Managing Director N. Bangaru Raju said many parents were worried about the progress of their wards after reaching some stage in tennis.  They want their children to get the best in coaching and infrastructure. After bifurcation, the Government has taken several proactive steps for the development of various sports and we shortlisted Zeeshan Ali’s academy to give a fillip to the game.

He said that a selection process will be conducted and players will undergo residential training at Bengaluru for three years. “Every three years their performance and growth will be reviewed by a panel of coaches and the academy will plan the event and trips for selected players. The selected players, will be funded by the SAAP,” he pointed out.

Indian Davis Cup chief coach Zeeshan Ali said that Indians were performing well in Tennis, but what was required was fitness and training. He said he would be visiting the districts to interact with the coaches, thus updating them with latest knowledge and training methods. Mr Ali appreciated the state government for taking up proactive sporting policies.