Delhi Challenger on hold due to lack of dedication & funds

After India outplayed New Zealand 4-1 in the recent Davis Cup Zone Group I Asia/Oceania tie, Yuki Bhambri lambasted the All India Tennis Association (AITA) for not doing enough for the players.
Yuki Bhambri (File | PTI)
Yuki Bhambri (File | PTI)

CHENNAI: After India outplayed New Zealand 4-1 in the recent Davis Cup Zone Group I Asia/Oceania tie, Yuki Bhambri lambasted the All India Tennis Association (AITA) for not doing enough for the players.
“A few years back, we hosted three Challenger events and Indian players reached the finals of all three. Saketh (Myneni) played one, I won one and Jeevan (Nedunchezhiyan) also played in one. We have done well whenever India were the hosts. We need to have more,” Bhambri had told the media in Pune.


Given the timing — one week ago — of his comments, isn’t it sadly prophetic that the New Delhi Challenger, held in mid-February for the past three years, isn’t even listed on the official half-yearly calendar for 2017? Challengers (Tier 2 events) act as stepping stones for Futures (Tier 3) players in their endeavour to gather enough points to play on the ATP Tour (Tier 1).


While Bhambri misremembered a few things — India hosted five Challengers in 2014, three of which featured Indian finalists; Bhambri, Myneni and Somdev Devvarman won a title each — his thought process is completely justifiable. How are Indians supposed to improve if Tier 2 tournaments are unavailable in their own backyard?


Before anyone screams ‘demonetisation’ reflexively, let’s take a look at figures from the past few seasons. India hosted no Challengers in 2013 and four in 2015, but just two in 2016. Chennai, Indore, Bengaluru and Kolkata stepped in then stepped out, leaving just Delhi and Pune. Even Futures aren’t having it too easy — 11 in 2013, eight in 2014, 19 in 2015, six in 2016 and six scheduled in 2017.


A well-placed source told Express that AITA, despite a cash crunch, is trying to make sure the Delhi Challenger is held in the latter half of the year. According to another source, it seems Challengers, unlike ATP events, are easier to organise at a relatively short notice.


“There’s no money to host Challengers and Futures. For the past five years, the AITA has been in talks with the government to provide funds for such endeavours. The logistics are not that simple. These events don’t make money, so sponsors don’t want to invest. In 2016, the Kolkata leg was discontinued due to similar reasons. But let’s not lose hope, there’s still time to hold the Delhi leg in the second half of 2017,” the first source revealed.


Bhambri, however, isn’t convinced the AITA can pull it off... It’s just one more in a list of long-forgotten promises. It’s the reason why players like him travel abroad on a regular basis.


“This is what I was talking about. While I have no idea what happens behind closed doors, one of the main issues should be ensuring the survival of Tier 2 events. Soon, Pune will also wave the white flag. What can I say?” Bhambri sighed.


As many a player has said before, ‘How will any Indian break into the top 100 if this continues?’ Their guess is as good as anyone else’s. Maybe talks of a shake-up in tennis administration will gather momentum if the answer continues to remain elusive.
rohan@newindianexpress.com

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