Bhubaneswar: Sports and Youth Services Department secretary Bhaskar Joyti Sarma inaugurated the three-day long 23rd All Odisha Nalco Open Tennis Tournament at Kalinga Stadium Tennis Complex here on Friday, being organised by the Bhubaneswar Districts Tennis Association (BDTA).
More than 400 players including 50 girls from across the State are participating in the U-14 boys, girls, U-18 boys, women’s singles, men’s singles, doubles, veteran 40+, 50+ and 60+ doubles categories. The highest number of 90 players are fighting for the top honour in the U-14 age categories.
The tournament featured a highest cash award of Rs 4.32 lakhs. The champion and runners up of each category will receive Rs 18,000 and Rs 12,000 respectively. While the semi-finalists and quarterfinalists will get Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,000 respectively.
While advising the young participants Bhaskar Joyti Sarma said “Maximum number of young kids are taking part in this tournament. Do not be serious about the outcome of the results. Play and enjoy the time in the meet”.
Among others, BDTA President Suresh Mohapatra, Secretary Saswat Mishra, PCCF Debi Dutta Biswal and Dr Biswajit Mishra were present.
