The Indian tennis squad for the Asian Games 2023, set to be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8, has been unveiled, featuring a mix of experienced players and rising talents.
The men’s team is spearheaded by Olympian Rohan Bopanna, who has established himself as a prominent doubles player on the international circuit. Bopanna’s recent achievement of entering the top 10 in the ATP doubles rankings and winning two ATP titles this year highlights his impressive form. He also has a gold medal from men’s doubles at the 2018 Asian Games, and his experience will be invaluable to the team.
Also Read: List of Asian Games Medalists for India in Squash
Sumit Nagal, currently ranked 226th in the world, will lead India’s singles challenge. Nagal has been steadily climbing the rankings and is regarded as one of the country’s most promising young talents. He is expected to make a significant impact at the Asian Games.
The inclusion of Saketh Myneni, a gold medalist in mixed doubles at the 2014 Asian Games alongside Sania Mirza, adds depth to the Indian squad. Myneni’s experience and past success make him a valuable asset to the team.
Notably absent from the men’s squad is Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who clinched a bronze medal in men’s singles at the 2018 Asian Games. Injuries have plagued Gunneswaran’s year, leading to his exclusion from the team.
On the women’s side, Ankita Raina will lead the charge. With a bronze medal in singles at the previous edition of the Asian Games, Raina has proven her mettle at this level of competition. She is currently ranked 206th in the WTA rankings and is India’s top-ranked women’s singles player. In addition to her singles prowess, Raina also holds the distinction of being India’s highest-ranked player in women’s doubles, ranked 149th in the world.
Joining Ankita Raina in the women’s team is Karman Kaur Thandi, who is 28 places below her in the WTA rankings but has shown promise on the international circuit. Rutuja Bhosle, Prarthana Thombare, Vaidehi Chaudhari, and Sahaja Yamlapalli complete the women’s squad.
The tennis events at the Asian Games 2023 will take place from September 24 to September 30, and the Indian contingent will be eager to build upon their previous successes. In the 2018 edition, India returned with one gold medal and two bronze medals in tennis. With a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, the Indian tennis squad is poised to make a strong showing at the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou.
