In the Elite forecourt

The phone call came on New Year’s day and brought glad tidings for the Shroff family. Thirteen-year-old Kyra Shroff is among the 10 promising youngsters, five boys and five girls, handpicked by a panel of coaches for the MBTA (Mahesh Bhupathi Tennis Academy) Elite training program in Bangalore.

"Now that Kyra is 13, she is eligible to play in international tournaments on the junior circuit. In the Elite program, the Academy will sponsor boarding, lodging and training for the selected players, but we will have to pay for the travel as and when she is selected for tournaments,” explains father Firdaus. "The method and intensity of training will be far, far stronger.”

The program coach, Mose Navarra, is very happy with Kyra, explains Firdaus. He finds her physically very fit, quick on her feet, with a very good serve and volley. There are many changes taking place (at the Nike Bhupathi Tennis Village). The clay courts are being converted to synthetic courts, TV replays will make the children aware of their mistakes, he elaborates.

Kyra Shroff

Reporting on the program, The Times of India of December 31, ’05 noted: "A child with serious tennis dreams would need Rs 25 lakhs a year for training… Lack of funds ate at the heart of the game in India… The diehard parent ran from pillar to post trying to organize funds to keep up with his child’s travel and training schedules but invariably ran into a wall… With the MBTA Elite, at least 10 children can fearlessly chase their dreams.” Said Mahesh Bhupathi: "We are looking at players who we think can deliver in the pros…we are committed to them for five years. But we will be constantly reviewing progress… there’ll be no room for compromise. If anyone is unable to keep up, he or she will have to make room for a deserving player.”

With Kyra currently focusing on her eighth standard exams, Firdaus emphasizes that education is a must: "Kyra has to do her studies. But it is important, however, to play in tournaments and get points. Winning in doubles adds to the singles’ tally. It is also necessary to play in international tournaments in lesser known places where others don’t come. This can give you direct entry into the main draws.”