Bangalore: Though sceptical of its success, AITA President Anil Khanna today said Mahesh Bhupathi-promoted International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) was welcome as it had led to the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) keenly watch its outcome.
ITPL would bring to the country top ranked tennis stars in the world who would play a tournament in the lines of the popular IPL.
He said he was also supportive of similar league mooted by tennis ace Vijay Amritraj, who had long association.
Speaking to reporters after the AITA Annual General Body meeting held, amid India and Serbia Davis Cup World Group play-off tie being held here, Mr Khanna said Mahesh was doing a wonderful attempt and AITA was cooperating with him.
‘This project is good not only for India but the whole Asia. But the question is it is a very challenging task for Mahesh. To deal with appearance fee of top ranked tennis players in the world, it is not so easy to do such a tournament. But I must say that efforts made by Mahesh is fantastic. If he is able to succeed, which I am sure he will, will be great,’ he said.
The AITA Chief said he was sure that the league will force the ATP to sit up and watch keenly as the money involved in sports in India through corporate, Television and government support was immense.
Mr Khanna had been critical of International Tennis Federation (ITF) not offering enough tournaments for juniors in the country.
He said IPTL had attracted the attention of the Indian corporate world. India as a sporting nation has lot of money for sports. The country has seen success through cricket (IPL) and success of money, through Television in Indian Hockey League (IHL) and the Pro-Kabbadi league, that had captured the audience.
‘The world of tennis are worried if the Bhupati’s league succeeds well, outside the modalities of tennis promotion (by the ITF) in various countries. This attempts offers players to come and take money,’ he said. Mr Khanna said Vijay Amrathraj also had an idea and the association was ready to tie up with him as he had been a long associate. (UNI)
