MUMBAI: To cater to the growing popularity of tennis and to give a platform to the nation’s young talent, Tennis Premier League (TPL), Wednesday announced dates for its second edition.
TPL will be held from December 12 to 15 at the Celebration Sports Club in Andheri, Mumbai. A total of eight teams featuring 88 players, across categories, will be in action.
While Indian tennis legend Leander Paes will have a stake in the Mumbai franchise, Bollywood actor Sonali Bendre will also own a franchisee, the organisers declared. The teams in TPL will comprise men’s and women’s players, besides girl’s under-18, boys under-14 and Wheelchair participants.
The under-18 girls and under-14 boys players will be picked through talent hunts in four cities. Talent days will be held in Ahmedabad and Mumbai on October 20 and 23, while in Hyderabad and Delhi on November 3 and 10 respectively. Registrations for talent days will commence on August 5 and end on October 5.
Founded by former national player Kunal Thakkur and actor/entrepreneur Mrunal Jain, the first edition of the league had Aishwarya Rai Bachan and Paes as team ambassadors / owners.
With a total prize fund of Rs 6 million, the event will see Arjun Khade leading the men’s field while Ankita Raina will be the top female player in the tournament.
The League is affiliated with All India Tennis Association (AITA) and will be conducted under the auspices of Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA).
