ROHAN BOPANNA TENNIS ACADEMY (RBTA) has completed 10 years of developing tennis talent in India and marked the milestone by announcing the launch of the Motilal Oswal Foundation Advantage Program, a new initiative aimed at supporting the country’s next generation of professional players.
The programme, introduced in partnership with the Motilal Oswal Foundation, outlines a three-year development pathway designed to nurture emerging Indian talent. The initiative will provide structured support through coaching, performance management and sports science expertise, with the goal of preparing players to compete successfully on the global circuit.
As part of the programme, RBTA has currently signed three promising Indian players:
* Vaishnavi Adkar is ranked No. 2 in India and No. 468 in the world singles rankings. While training at RBTA last month, she became the first Indian woman in 17 years to reach the final of an ITF W100 or higher-level tournament at the KPB Trust ITF W100 Women’s Open in Bengaluru.
* Dhakshineswar Suresh, currently No. 5 in India and No. 472 in the world singles rankings, played a key role in India’s recent victory in the Davis Cup. He won both his singles matches and the doubles rubber to help the India Davis Cup team secure a 3–2 win over the Netherlands Davis Cup team.
* Prarthana Thombare, ranked No. 2 in India in doubles and No. 157 in the world doubles rankings, also joins the programme. Thombare won a bronze medal in women’s doubles at the 2014 Asian Games alongside Sania Mirza and represented India at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
To lead the programme, former national champion Balachandran Manikkath, who brings more than three decades of coaching experience, will serve as the lead coach based in Bengaluru, while also travelling with players during key tournaments.
Supporting the athletes’ fitness and recovery, physiotherapist Isha Galgali will oversee physical preparation and accompany the players on tour.
RBTA also plans to appoint an additional coach in the near future to further strengthen the programme, ensuring players receive consistent guidance both at the academy and on the international circuit.
Bopanna said, “As RBTA completes 10 years, it is incredibly meaningful to partner with the Motilal Oswal Foundation to create structured opportunities for Indian players. This program is about providing the right ecosystem — coaching, support staff, and resources — so talented athletes can focus on competing and realising their potential on the global stage.”
