Bhupathi to mentor them
Harpal Singh Bedi / New Delhi
Ten talented kids will be selected to become ball kids for the 2019 Australian Open, at the RK Khanna Stadium, New Delhi on Saturday.
Two officials from Tennis Australia will select them from the shortlisted 100, all mentored by India’s Davis Cup captain and multiple Grand Slam winner Mahesh Bhupathi; the chosen ones will then have a special master class with the Indian star on Sunday.
The handpicked kids, will demonstrate their ‘ball rolling’, ‘ball collection’, ‘towel handling’ and ‘court drying’ skills, among others.
“I am thrilled to be part of this exciting initiative. I am looking forward to interacting with these talented 100 kids,” Bhupathi said on the eve of the selection trials. “I believe they are all just 10-12 years old and are yet fully versed with the nuances of the sport. It’s amazing,”
Bhupathi pointed out that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the chosen ones and appreciated KIA Motors’ efforts to motivate kids and promote tennis in the country.
Long-standing partner of the year’s first Grand Slam tennis tournament, KIA Motors brings the unique Australian Open Ballkids Programme to India for the first time, giving young Indians an opportunity to watch their favourite stars in action, literally from the sidelines.
The initiative was launched on November 10 and saw as many as 1800 kids from the four metros enroll and take a shot at this dream assignment.
Hundred out of them were shortlisted and now they will go through various tests and drills to pick the most suitable boys and girls to represent India.
All the expenses of their trip will be borne by KIA Motors.
“Kia have been a partner of the Australian Open and that has helped us promote tennis worldwide. It gives me immense pleasure to bring this partnership to India,” Mr. Kookhyun Shim, Managing Director & CEO of Kia Motors India, said.