When the almighty Swedes took over the city in 1985

Davis Cup tie between India and Indonesia kicks off today

India at a practice session before the Asia-Oceania Group I of Davis Cup at theKSLTA stadium in Bangalore on Thursday. Photo: K. Gopinathan

With the passage of time, an unforgettable childhood memory can become irrelevant to every one but you. And just when those priceless anecdotes are doomed to oblivion, everyone wants to hear you reminisce about them.

The Davis Cup has returned to Bangalore after 28 years, and the people ask: “Were you present when the almighty Swedes took over the city when they played here in 1985?” If the answer is ‘yes’, take your rightful position as the life of the party.

“The exquisite one-handed Stefan Edberg backhand, oh my! You will never see anything quite like it,” says an old-timer.

“How about Mats Wilander? I had to keep my daughters away from him, he looked like a Greek God,” says another, while the younger folk plead for more gems from the vault.

How about our very own stars — the dapper duo from the Amritraj stables complementing the lazy elegance of Ramesh Krishnan? “Ah, Vijay Amritraj, such a class act. A perfect gentleman, why can’t current players be like him?” is the next gem.

The Swedes — with all members of the squad in the world’s Top-10 — dismantled the Indians. The result, however, was just a footnote.

On Friday, when India — the heavy favourites — takes on Indonesia at the KSLTA Stadium, it could well be the turn of the host to win a one-sided affair. The Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association, for its part, is intent on helping spectators leave with fine memories again.

All set

The courts have been spruced up, and stalls have been set up to serve food and beverages. A limited number of vehicles can be parked in the stadium’s car park, while the spill-over will be accommodated at the adjacent Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

Reasonably priced tickets — Rs. 200 for a day’s action — makes for an attractive buy, even for a casual sports fan. The KSLTA has also reserved 1,000 complimentary seats for children, proving that good times need not come at a cost.

The Indonesians may not possess the aura of the Swedes, but the presence of the inimitable Leander Paes more than makes up in star power. Head on over to the watch the tennis, in a few years, your anecdotes could be worth a few drinks on the house.