Yonex Sunrise -MSLTA Ramesh Desai Memorial under 12 Sub-Junior Tennis Nationals in Mumbai from May 25.
Mumbai, May 23 : Over 250 Boys and Girls from all over the country will be seen in action at the 13th Yonex Sunrise - MSLTA Ramesh Desai Memorial Junior Tennis Nationals for Boys and Girls under 12 which will be hosted by the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) at the GA Ranade Tennis complex from May 25th to– June 1st 2019.
The President of MSLTA Mr. Bharat Oza and the Secretary Mr. Sunder Iyer said a total scholarship of Rs 3 lakhs will be awarded as scholarships to players from the first round apart from attractive prizes and gifts. The tournament which is an annual affair is being organized to commemorate the memory former secretary general of AITA and the former Hon. Secretary of MSLTA of Ramesh Desai.
The tournament will serve as an ideal memorial for Ramesh Desai and his values of promoting tennis at a junior level, said Mr Bharat Oza.
While the Boys 12 main draw will be of 64, the Girls under 12 Main draws will be of 48, added Mr. Iyer. , The Qualifying rounds will be held on May 25/26, while the main draws will start from Monday 27th.
The MSLTA will also be celebrating its annual scholarship function coinciding with the finals of the event on June 1. The Under 16 Nationals will be held at Cricket Club of India from May 19. ITF White badge official Payal Jain will be the Supervisor for the event
ABOUT SHRI RAMESH DINUBHAI DESAI (1927-2006)
`Rameshbhai’. as he was popularly known in top tennis circles in the country, was elected as the Honorary Secretary of the Bombay State Lawn Tennis Association way back in 1958, and since then there was no looking back for him.
In his illustrious career in tennis spread over 48 years, he held several important posts. He was Hon. Secretary for Tennis, CCI, Mumbai from 1958 to 1960. He conducted International Tennis Matches of world famous Jack Kramer’s professionals in 1959 and 1960 at CCI.
He was a member on MSLTA Council from 1963,Hon Secretary 1963-1965 & 1984 – 1992, Council Member 1965 – 1975,Hon. Treasurer 1975 to 1977,Vice President 1993 – 2002,Life Vice President from 2002 to till his death.
He was also member of AITA Executive Committee from 1984,Executive Committee Member AITA 1984 – 1988,Hon. Treasurer, AITA 1988 – 1992,Hon. Secretary General, AITA 1992 - 1996,Vice President, AITA 1996 - 2004,Life Vice President, AITA 2004 till his death.
He was instrumental in organizing and conducting a number of Tennis tournaments in Maharashtra including Davis Cup ties at Mumbai and Pune. He was also a very good player and participated in many tournaments in Tennis and Badminton.
In recognition of his service to the Game of Tennis, the Govt. of Maharashtra awarded him with ‘Dadoji Kondeo Award in the year 1995-96. As Hon. Secretary, Mr. Desai also helped MSLTA in promotion of the game of tennis by constructing the Club House and Sports Guest House besides other Modern sports facilities like International Standard Gymnasium and well equipped library.
During his tenure As Hon. Secretary General of AITA and Hon. Secretary of MSLTA, the game flourished in all departments. He was a man of principles and firm convictions.
