Bowring Institute ITF World Women's Tour begins today; Sharmada, Suhita given wildcards

The Bowring Institute, which is renowned for its history tracing more than a century ago, is all set to continue its legacy when it hosts the Bowring Institute ITF World Women's Tour which kicks off with the first qualifying round on Sunday.

Players from as many as ten countries including hosts India will be seen in action at the spruced-up clay courts of Bowring Institute in the event which boasts of a total prize purse of US $25,000.  

“We are thrilled to host the Bowring Institute ITF World Women's Tour and welcome players from across the world to showcase their talent on our courts. This tournament adds another chapter to our tennis legacy, said Bhaskar, Vice President, Bowring Institute.

Sunil Yajaman, Tournament Director and Hon. Jt. Secretary of the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) said: "We sincerely thank Bowring Institute for taking up the responsibility to host the ITF Women’s 25,000 prize money event and we are extremely happy that Bowring Institute, which has a rich tennis history, is again back on the Global Tennis Map. I thank the Hon. Secy Mr.  HS Srikanth and the entire team who have made some amazing arrangements for the players.”

Emphasizing on the significance of hosting international events in the country and especially Karnataka, Yajaman said: “We have taken a conscious decision to activate the various districts in Karnataka which will not only put them on the world tennis map but give our players an opportunity to earn valuable ATP points. We are proud to say that we are hosting six ITF events and one ATP Challenger event in a span of just five months.”

As many as six Indians – Rutuja Bhosale, Vaidehi Chaudhari, Pranjala Yadlapalli, Zeel Desai, Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty, and Humera Baharmus – are a part of the 20 players who have earned a direct entry in the main draw of 32. The rest of the 12 spots will be filled up by eight qualifiers and four wild cards.

Karnataka’s top player Sharmada Balu and the promising Suhitha Maruri have been given wildcards along with Anjali Rathi and Sahira Singh. The wildcards for the qualifying include Vidhyalakshmi S, Sai Janvi, Sanjitha Ramesh (all Karnataka), Lakshmi Prabha and Sejal Gopal Bhutada.  

LN Ajay Singh, Director Sales and Marketing, Advait Hyundai who was one of the guests of honour said: "The Bowring Institute holds a special place in the hearts of sports enthusiasts. As the presenting sponsor, Advait Hyundai is honoured to be associated with an event that continues the rich legacy of this iconic institution."

The Bowring Institute has long been a bastion of tennis tradition, having witnessed thrilling matches and iconic moments on its courts with players like Ramanathan Krishnan, Joydeep Mukherjea, former World No.1 Ilie Nastase and former singles top-10 tennis player Ion Tiriac (who became so rich that he opened a bank), amongst others treading the soils of Bowring Institute.

With a competitive field comprising some of the best players, the tennis buffs are in for a feast of high-quality tennis action.

Photo Caption: From left: Dharaka Ellawala, ITF Supervisor, Sharmada Balu, Bhaskar, Vice President, Bowring Institute, Sunil Yajaman, Tournament Director and Hon. Jt. Secy, KSLTA, Suresh Rao, Tennis Member In-charge, Bowring Institute and LN Ajay Singh, Director Sales and Marketing, Advait Hyundai during the press conference of the Bowring Institute ITF World Women's Tour on Saturday.