Chinmay creates history at AITA-OTA meet
Bhubaneswar : Racing from the back local favorite Chinmay Pradhan created history by claiming the champion title of the AITA-OTA 30k Men’s Ranking Tennis Tournament at Gurukul Tennis Academy, Mendhasal in the city outskirt here on Friday.
One down Odisha’s top ranked Chinmay edged out Neeraj Choudhary of Madhya Pradesh by 1-6,6-4,6-2 in the final match. “Though I lost the first set miserable but I was confident that the hot and humidity climate which affected me in the beginning most break down the opponent soon. So I concentrate in my strength and wait the visitor to make mistake”, said Chinmay in a Press Meet here.
As the first Odisha player Chinmay won the top prize in the men’s event , gathered 15 ranking points and placed himself in the top 50 rank in the national platform, said coach Santosh Mallick. In the past any junior players of the State brought laurels for the State but this is the first time Chinamy bagged a national men’s title by defeating many out of State players. Such win will set example for others in the State and will bust up the morals, added Santosh.
“In present context I am facing big difficulties to play with quality players in our State. I am not claiming that I am the best but I can only improve if I get chance to fight with competent opponent. This achievement is not my goal I think that how I will play in the international circuit. The true sense of tennis is in the international arena,” added Chinmay.
In our State there are many tennis lovers but we are lacking for quality players and coaches. I am fortunate enough having my personal coach, physical trainer and diet consultant. Junior players Anshu and Abhilash though both are four years younger to me but they most come to the men’s category for the better future, said Chinmay.
Odisha Tennis Association vice-president Satyajit Mohanty distributed the trophies as the chief guest of the closing ceremony. Among others, Khurda District Tennis Association secretary Asit Pradhan, organising secretary GS Mastana, tournament director Dr PK Pradhan, Tanmaya Mishra , DK Tunga, Ashok Dash, Ravindra Senapati,Anup Guru, Damodar Pradhani (members KDTA), OTA manager Prakash Patnaik and tournament referee Jatin Batsya were present.
Mahanadi, Baitarani win in OPl-II
Sambalpur/Bhubaneswar: Mahanadi defeated Rushikulya by 31 runs in the second phase of much hyped OPl (Odisha premier league) began At VSS Stadium here on Friday with Ranjiv Biswal the president of the OCA and Balwant Singh the collector cum the president of the district sports association as guests. Cricket lovers in good numbers were also present in good number in the first day match. Temporary flood light arrangements have been also made for day and light match.
In the first match, Paresh Patel of Rushukulaya bagged five wickets but the team suffered defeat from Mahanadi team by 31 runs. “Total four teams will play 12 matches here under Group-B,” informed Dulal Pradhan the vice president of OCA. The matches will continue from 3 May to 8 May, Pradhan added. Sayad Jaki, Abinash Nanda, Prasant Thakkar and Kushal Patel are the four Sambalpur players got chance to show their talents in the OPl-II. While the first three are included in Mahanadi team, Patel is with Subarnarekha, DSA sources said. The colourful opening ceremony and fire crackers kept the viewers spellbound for pretty long time. At the same time the cheer girls are added attraction for the viewers. In the rain disturbed league match at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Baitarani edged out Barabati by seven wickets. Batting first Barabati scored 139 runs in 20 overs for the loss of six wickets. As rain played the spoil spot in the second batting, Baitarani got a target 82 runs in 10 overs as per the Duckman and lewis method. In reply, Baitarani reached winning target in 9.4 overs for the loss of three wickets.
Brief Score: At VSS Stadium: Mahanadi 143/9 in 20 overs (Sameer Mohanty 46; Paresh Patel 5/17) beat Rushikulaya 112/10 in 19 overs (Roshan Swain 25,lagnajit Samal 31; Sameer Mohanty 4/18, Amit Das 3/9, Pritamjit Das 2/18) by 31 runs. At Barabati Stadium: Barabati 139/6 in 20 overs (Nataraj Behera 45, Subit Biswal 36; Santosh Maharana 2/21, Priyatosh Pamanik 3/24) lost to Baitarani 84/3 in 9.4 overs (Alok Pradhan 26; Niranjan Behera 2/10) by 7 wickets.