Srinagar: Srinagar on Tuesday hosted the second National Coaching Camp of the Indian Soft Tennis Team at Gindun Sports Stadium, Rajbagh, as the country’s top players began preparations for the 20th Asian Games scheduled to be held in Japan in 2026.
The month-long camp, which will run till August 13, has been approved by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI). It is being organised by the Amateur Soft Tennis Federation of India (ASTFI) in collaboration with the J&K Amateur Soft Tennis Association and the J&K Sports Council.
The national coaching camp was formally inaugurated by Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull, who attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest.
Interacting with the players and coaching staff, Gull encouraged the athletes and assured them of all possible support from the J&K Sports Council during their stay in Srinagar. She expressed confidence that the team’s dedication and hard work would help India secure honours at the upcoming Asian Games.
The J&K Amateur Soft Tennis Association welcomed the opportunity to host the prestigious national camp, describing it as a significant step in promoting the sport in the Union Territory.
According to the organisers, the camp has brought together the country’s leading soft tennis players and coaching staff for intensive training ahead of the continental event. It is aimed at sharpening the players’ skills, improving team coordination and enhancing overall preparedness for international competition.
The Amateur Soft Tennis Federation of India and the J&K Amateur Soft Tennis Association also expressed hope that Srinagar would host more national and international soft tennis events in the future.
Among those present at the inaugural ceremony from the J&K Sports Council were Administrative Officer Gh Rasool, Chief Accounts Officer Yasir Sab and Public Relations Officer Jahangir Ahmad.
Officials representing the Amateur Soft Tennis Federation of India included Chief Executive Officer Aniket Khodadhara, National Coach Hashmukh Vegda, Executive Member and National Coaching Camp Coordinator Dr Gh Hassan, National Team Coach Sudesh Sangte and General Secretary of the J&K Amateur Soft Tennis Association Shakir Ashraf.
