Ramesh Desai Memorial under 12 Sub-Junior Tennis Nationals at MSLTA
Mumbai, February 10: Excitement is building up in Mumbai! Over 230 talented boys and girls from across the country have gathered at the 19th edition of the Ramesh Desai Memorial Junior Tennis Nationals for Boys and Girls Under 12. Hosted by the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA), this thrilling event is taking place at the GA Ranade Tennis Complex from February 8th to 15th, 2025!
MSLTA President Mr. Bharat Oza and Secretary Mr. Sunder Iyer have announced that a total scholarship of Rs 3 lakhs will be awarded to players from the very first round, along with exciting prizes and gifts! This annual tournament is held in honor of the late Shri Ramesh Desai, the former Secretary General of AITA and former Hon. Secretary of MSLTA. Players from all across the country will showcase their talent in this week-long event, making it an unforgettable celebration of tennis!.
The support of YES Bank as the tournament’s sponsor further adds to the significance of this prestigious event, ensuring its success and helping to nurture the next generation of tennis players.
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.
ITF White badge official K. Vaishali will be the Supervisor for the event while Mr Manoj Vaidya has been appointed as the Tournament Director.
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 .
Following are the seeding list:
Boys Under 12:
1. Thanush Shekar B C (KA), 2. Dua Arjun (DL), 3. Khatri Nayan (DL), 4. Tripathi Laqshya (MH), 5. Reddy Nihal S(KA), 6. Senthil Kumar Jegan Rohit (TN), 7. Yashvantraje Pawar (MH), 8. Lokesh Singh (HR)
Girls Under 12:
1. Tehlan Aaradhana (HR), 2. Choudhary Saumya (RJ), 3. Mehta Falak (GJ), 4. Shaikh Myra (MH), 5 Fengse Sara (MH), 6. Velladandi Bhrithi (KA), 7. Govind Kanishka (TN), 8. Chatterjee Priyangsi (WB)