the goan I network
PANAJI
Defending champions Tejas Shevde and Simran Khan will lead the field at the third edition of Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2018, to be held at the club premises from January 26 to February 4 at Miramar. The other highlights of this year’s state championship are - more categories and raised prize-money. The annual tournament is being held under the aegis of Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA).
The tournament includes 14 categories, namely: Under-12 (Girls & Boys), U-16 (Girls & Boys), men’s singles, ladies singles, men’s doubles, mixed doubles, men’s veteran singles 45+, 55+ & 60+, those above the age of 35 can participate in the men’s veteran doubles 90+ (combined age), men’s veteran doubles 110 + (combined age) and men’s veteran doubles 120+ (combined age).
Matches will be scheduled between 7 am and 10 am in the morning and between 4 pm and 10 pm in the evening. The organisers have so far received 85 entries, with the last day being January 24.
President of GSTA, Nathan Chowgule is looking forward to the tournament. “Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias is doing a phenomenal job hosting this tournament annually. I really believe that such kind of tournaments encourage children to take up tennis as a career,” he said during the press conference at the club on Monday.
President of Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Rajesh Khaunte said: “Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias has a legacy spanning over 80 years of promoting a healthy sport environment to the residents of Goa. It brings us great delight and joy to be holding the third edition of Gaspar Dias Tennis Open this year with a higher number of entries than our previous editions. This annual tournament is an opportunity to showcase the tennis skills of Goa’s youth. We are grateful for the support of the GSTA and Gadre Group for supporting the tournament.”
Chairman of club’s ‘Sports Committee’, Aakash Khaunte feels the added categories and prize money will boost participation. “We are very pleased to introduce four more categories and raised the prize amount to encourage more tennis enthusiasts to participate in this sport and showcase the talent amongst Goans.” While the annual event has been conducted at the state-level till now, the future could see it taken to another level.
