Rajpal confident tennis will deliver medals
New Delhi
Representing India in major events such as the Asian Games and Davis Cup brings a unique sense of responsibility and pressure, said Rohit Rajpal, India’s non-playing Davis Cup captain. He expressed confidence that Indian tennis players will continue the country’s strong medal-winning record at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Rajpal, who won a tennis bronze medal at the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, said playing for the country is different from competing in individual events. India will face South Korea in the Davis Cup World Group Qualifiers Round 2 in Seoul on September 18 and 19, just before the Asian Games, which will be held from September 19 to October 4.
The Indian tennis contingent has been reduced from 12 players to seven, with no representation in women’s singles. However, Rajpal remained optimistic about the team’s chances. He pointed out that tennis has regularly contributed medals to India’s Asian Games tally. At the Hangzhou Asian Games, Indian tennis players won three medals, including a silver and two bronze medals across doubles events.
Rajpal also spoke about the difficulties Indian players face when moving from junior tennis to the professional circuit. He said the transition can be challenging because young Indian players often face physically stronger and more experienced opponents. Cultural and family factors can also affect their development, as players in India are often treated as children even at 17 or 18.
He said the situation is improving with better training, physiotherapy and support systems. Modern tennis has become more physical, making strength and mental preparation increasingly important. Rajpal stressed that players need a strong support ecosystem during this transition so they can compete on an equal footing with experienced professionals. He believes continued efforts will help Indian tennis produce strong results in major international competitions.