Tennis is considered an elite sport, predominantly played in the urban localities and clubs. Besides, only a few institutions promote the game, have a court or run a training academy. The ones that do, charge a hefty sum to train people to become professional players.
Nazareth College of Arts and Science, Avadi and AGS Tennis Academy, is jointly taking the sport to Avadi, one of the suburbs of Chennai, at an affordable cost. AGS Nazareth Tennis Academy is run at the college premise, located at Kovilpathagai, Avadi. In the recent past, Nazareth College has been one of the major promoters of various sports in the Thiruvallur District and has produced many university, state and national level players.
The former PIB Deputy Director, M. Kolandaivelu, who inaugurated the academy, said kindling the interest is most important part of sports development and this academy is sure to achieve the mission as it concentrates more on rural sportspersons.
With a motto of “Stroke Success”, the academy aims to identify and develop talent available in the suburbs like Avadi, Ambattur, Thirumullaivoil, Pattabiram, and Thirunindravur.
Aarthi Duraisamy, a former ITF player, will head the academy. She is keen to pass on her techniques, skills and talents to the younger generations. There are many strong and committed sportsmen in the suburbs, who are very passionate to learn and achieve excellence, she says. She is confident that in the next 10 years the academy will produce some top class professional tennis players who will represent India in all major Grand Slam tournaments.
Henry Maris, secretary, Nazareth College, says: “This is a great opportunity for any aspiring young sportsmen to try their hands at Tennis.” The training starts for children above 4 years.
For details, call Aarthi at 97909 47825.
