Tennis

Tennis Premier League Announces Grassroots Scholarship Initiative for Junior Players

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 10, 2026, 00:12 IST

The Tennis Premier League is set to award 36 scholarships worth ₹75,000 each to junior talent, with two under-14 winners earning a trip to the 2027 Australian Open as part of a new grassroots program.

Tennis Premier League Announces Grassroots Scholarship Initiative for Junior Players

The Tennis Premier League (TPL) has unveiled a significant grassroots development initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of Indian tennis talent. Through its newly announced Race to Gold Masters program, the league will provide financial and professional support to 36 junior players selected from across six different regions.

Each of the 36 recipients will receive a scholarship valued at ₹75,000. Beyond the financial grant, the initiative is designed to provide comprehensive support, including the provision of tennis equipment and personalised apparel. Furthermore, the program offers professional guidance and unique mentorship opportunities, allowing young athletes to engage directly with some of India's most prominent tennis figures, such as Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna.

A Pathway to the Australian Open

The initiative also features a high-stakes competitive element for the younger age groups. Two champions from the under-14 category will secure a life-changing opportunity: an all-expenses-paid travel experience to the 2027 Australian Open. This incentive is intended to provide young players with exposure to the professional international circuit and inspire their long-term development in the sport.

The selection process will unfold during the Race to Gold Masters, a series of events scheduled across three weekends in November. The competition kicks off in the North Zone at the DLTA courts on November 14-15. Following the opening leg, the action moves to Ahmedabad for the Gujarat Masters on November 21-22, before concluding with the Maharashtra leg in Mumbai on November 28-29.

This grassroots expansion is being executed in partnership with Kia India, marking the first time the automotive brand has collaborated with the TPL. By combining financial assistance with mentorship and international exposure, the league aims to create a structured pathway for junior players to transition into higher levels of competition.