The only player from Karnataka to win the individual champion in 55th National School Games Tennis Tournament held at Gulbarga in 2009
It is heartening to observe a talented sports star appearing on the city’s horizon now and then. One such star is Suraj R Prabodh, an upcoming but promising tennis player who is steadily crossing one milestone after another.
Suraj will be leaving for Chennai next week to participate in an international level Junior Championship tournament and the following week to Manipal to play in his maiden International level Men’s tournament.
He created history in Karnataka by becoming the individual champion in the 55th National School Games Tennis Tournament held at Gulbarga in 2009. Incidentally Suraj is the only player from Karnataka to win this Championship in the National level school games.
He also created history by taking the Karnataka team, under the able captaincy of Vinod Gowda, to finals for the first time in the Inter-School National level Tennis tournament at Delhi in 2009-2010 and Karnataka finished with a silver medal.
Aged 15 years, Suraj is the son of MR Prabodh and Teja and is a student of Sree Cauvery PU College and has been pursuing lawn tennis from the past five years. Suraj has been consistently performing well in the Junior Boy’s category in the U-16 section in the State as well as National level and has got a powerful Back Hand and is considered to be a gifted Back Hand player.
Till date Suraj has won four Under -12 titles, eight Under-14 titles, six Under-16 titles and has ended up a runner in quite a number of tournaments. Recently he won U-16 AITA Champions Series tennis tournament at Neyveli. He has travelled all across the States, contesting in good number of tournaments.
He is also a first and only player in Karnataka to win a gold medal in the individual event of the Inter-school national level tournament conducted jointly by the government of India & Indian Olympic Association. He is also playing a key role in winning gold medals for his Mysore district’s Men’s team for three consecutive years (2008,2009, 2010) in the state level Dasara Sports Meet.
He is also tried his hands in the Under -18 category too and suffered quite a few setbacks but is not deterred in the least. He receives inputs and encouragement from Nagaraj of Nagaraj Tennis Centre.
Speaking to Express Suraj who began to learn tennis when he was ten-year-old said that `In my childhood my uncle got me a set of tennis badminton and I was inspired by it very much and started practicing under the guidance of my father who is an avid fan of tennis.
Considered to be a rich man’s game, most players often carry a couple of rackets in their kit while playing matches, but not so for Suraj. Not being financially well disposed, he finds it difficult even to own a couple of good rackets and other essentials. Only if some philanthropist organization comes forward to help him by providing the required facilities, definitely Suraj will take part in the international level tennis.
Being aware that the game demands intense practice and body fitness, Suraj sweats everyday for nearly two hours on fitness exercises and another four hours practicing at Mysore Tennis Club. He also browse internet daily to get updated about the latest developments and advancements in tennis.
All the very best suraj!!!
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