Top billing for Prateek Sheoran and Divya Ramesh in Boys and Girls category respectively

The 19th edition of the Ramesh Desai Memorial Under-16 Junior Tennis Nationals Tournament will be held at the sprawling Kolhapur District Lawn Tennis Association (KDLTA) Tennis complex clay courts in Kolhapur from May 18 - 25, 2024.

To be hosted by the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) in coordination with the KDLTA under the aegis of All India Tennis Association (AITA), the governing body of Tennis in India, the same will witness participation from over 250 players (Boys and Girls) representing 20 states across the breath and length of the country including Maharashtra in the Singles and Doubles event. The Boys U-16 Qualifying and Main Draws will be limited to 64, on the other hand the Girls U-16 Qualifying and Main Draws will be a 48 player affair.

Prateek Sheoran of Haryana and Divya Ramesh of Tamil Nadu are the top seeds in the Boys and Girls Singles category respectively.

The Hon Secretary Sunder Iyer on the eve of the tournament said, “The annual national level U-16 tournament is being organized to commemorate the memory of former Secretary General of AITA and the former Hon. Secretary of MSLTA, Ramesh Desai. The tournament will serve as an ideal memorial for Ramesh Desai and his values of promoting tennis at a junior level. As for the tourney over 250 leading players (Boys and Girls) from across the country will slug it out for glory in Singles and Doubles events over the next week.”

He further added “A total amount of Rs 3 lakhs will be awarded as scholarships to players from the first round apart from attractive prizes and gifts. The Qualifying rounds will be held on 18 and 19 May, and will be followed by the Main Draws that will start from Monday 20 May.”

Meghan Bagawde, Secretary of KDLTA on the other hand said, “ITF White badge official Mrs Vaishali Kannamwar has been appointed as the Tournament Supervisor for the event, while MSLTA Jt Secretary Sheetal Bhosale will be the Tournament Director of the event by MSLTA”

 Dilip Mohite, Chairman Tournament Committee said,“ KDLTA on its part has undertaken a complete revamp of the existing facilities, and developed New Toilet Blocks , Changing rooms, Players Lounges, and upgraded Tennis facilities, this has been possible due to the involvement of all the Members of KDLTA. An organizing Committee comprising of Dilip Mohite, Chairman tournament Committee, Anna Ghatge, Anand Shah Tresurer KDLTA, Mahendra Parmar, Dr.Dinesh Kittur,  SS Momin and Aashish Shah have worked around the clock to ensure best facilities and tennis experience for players coming from across the country. We want to make this a memorable tournament for young tennis players and will also give them experience of Kolhapur Tradition and culture during the tournament week”.

Top Eight Seeds Main Draw

Boys U-16 Singles*: 1) Prateek Sheoran(HAR), 2) Rishi Yadav (UP), 3) Hruthik Katakam (TS), 4) Harsh Malik (HAR), 5) Kanishk Khathuria (MP), 6) Pratyush Loganathan(TN), 7) Aditya Acharya(Odisha) and 8) Prakaash Sarran KAR

Girls U-16 Singles: 1) Divya Ramesh (TN), 2) Rishita Reddy Basireddy (TS), 3) Prisha Shinde (MAH), 4) Sherry Sharma (HAR), 5.Anandita Upadhyay (HAR), 6) Shaivi Dalal (GUJ), 7) Ranjhana Sangram (PUN) and 8) Nainika Reddy Bendram (MAH).

 * Vishvajeet Sanas  (MAH) and Mannan Ashok Agarwal (MAH) are the highest seeded players with ranking 11 and 12 respectively in Boys Singles category

About 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.