Nagpur, April 16
The High-Performance Training Camp (HPTC) organised by All India Tennis Association (AITA) turned out to be a good learning experience for city's talented player Sai Bhoyar. Now she wants that All India Tennis Federation (AITA) should make it a regular feature.
Already out of practice for almost one year due to lockdown, Sai Bhoyar attended 20-day camp along with other three Maharashtra colleagues. The camp was a joint venture of Sports Authority of India and AITA.
None other than ex-olympian and national tennis coach Zeeshan Ali conducted the camp in which he was assisted by other senior coaches. Talking about her experience of AITA's High-Performance camp Sai said, “ The experience was very nice. After spending around one year at home due to lockdown and restrictions, I had a good practice there and got an opportunity to play with top-ranked players of the country”.
Sai who is 11th standard student of LAD College and currently ranked sixth in Under-16 category and 17th in Under-18 said during the stress was also given on physical fitness. “ We had a regular fitness session during the camp. Apart from it we also went thru match practice. Zeeshan Ali sir and two other coaches including Shibika Berman worked on our game and shots. Naturally, their tips will help me to improve my game”, she said.
Before going to camp Sai had expressed her grudge that the city lacks the players of her standard against whom she would like to compete. However, in the high performance camp she got an excellent opportunity to rub shoulders with the players of her caliber. “ Yes, earlier I lacked the experience of playing against the players of my standard but now after attending the camp I have no grudge. I am hopeful that AITA will make it a regular feature”, she said.
Sai also said during the camp the Covid protocol was strictly followed. “ The organisers were very strict about Covid protocol. Due to it no untoward incident occurred during the camp”, she said.
It can be mentioned here that Sai was looking at this camp as a preparation for Khelo India." Khelo India is my immediate next target and the training which I got in this high performance camp will help me in the prestigious event", she said.