Manipur’s Tennis Prodigies Make Mark in National Tournament
In a spectacular display of tennis prowess, Manipur’s budding tennis stars, Bushan Haobam and Ashwarjit Senjam, showcased their talent in the All India Tennis Association (AITA) 1 Lakh Men’s Tennis Tournament, 2023, held at the Imphal District Tennis Association.
Bushan Haobam: The Men’s Singles Champion
India’s Davis Cup player (Junior), Bushan Haobam, stamped his authority on the tournament by clinching the Men’s Singles title. Hailing from Manipur, Haobam’s stellar performance in the tournament reflects his promising future in Indian tennis. The center court of the Imphal District Tennis Association witnessed Haobam’s skillful play as he outshone competitors to claim the top spot.
Ashwarjit Senjam: A Worthy Runner-Up
Adding to Manipur’s tennis triumph, Ashwarjit Senjam secured the runner-up position in the Men’s Singles category. Senjam’s commendable performance underscores the depth of talent emerging from the state. The achievement in a national-level tournament is a significant milestone for both players, indicating a bright future in the world of tennis.
Doubles Delight: Bushan Haobam and H. Shanker
The Men’s Doubles category saw Bushan Haobam pairing up with H. Shanker to claim the title. Their synergy on the court and strategic play secured them the championship. In a competitive match, T. Brojen and S. Bickey put up a strong fight but had to settle for the runners-up position.
Tournament Overview
Organized by the Imphal District Tennis Association under the Manipur Tennis Association, the tournament featured 32 players from various parts of the country. Commencing on November 20, 2023, the event provided a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills and compete at a national level.
Chief Guest Encourages Future Excellence
Vineet Joshi, Chief Secretary of the Government of Manipur, graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest. In his address, he praised Manipur’s status as a sports powerhouse, highlighting the exemplary performances of both male and female athletes in national and international tournaments. Joshi extended congratulations to the players for their dedication and assured that the government would focus on infrastructure development for sports in the state.
Recognition and Rewards
The chief guest presented certificates and trophies to the winners and runners-up, acknowledging their remarkable achievements. The prize money for the tournament was a collective contribution from the parents of Manipur’s tennis players and members of the Imphal District Tennis Association.
A Bright Future for Manipur Tennis
The successful conclusion of the AITA Men’s Open Tennis Tournament not only celebrates the current achievements of Manipur’s tennis talents but also hints at a promising future for the state in the realm of tennis. The dedication of players, combined with support from the government and tennis enthusiasts, lays the foundation for Manipur to continue producing tennis champions on the national and international stage.
