Goa is poised to make a significant mark in its tennis landscape with the introduction of a Wheelchair Tennis Challenger Tournament at the Baale BPS Open 2.0. This pioneering event, hosted by the BPS Sports Club in Margao, provides a unique platform for wheelchair-bound athletes to demonstrate their prowess on the tennis court.
Registrations for the Baale BPS Open 2.0, which includes the Wheelchair Tennis Challenger Tournament, will soon open across various categories. Recently, a practice session was conducted at the Margao-based club, where para-athletes and tennis enthusiasts trained under the expert guidance of coach Suresh Kadam. This session was designed to refine tennis skills tailored for wheelchair users, igniting a new passion for the sport within Goa.
Vasco-based para-athlete Moises Rodrigues shared his excitement about participating in the forthcoming tournament. Having achieved top positions in various para-sports events, Rodrigues is eager to compete and excel at the state level. “We now feel motivated to play tennis, and if there are state-level tournaments in the future, we will definitely take part in them and win!” he expressed.
Another athlete, Vishant Nagvekar, who has engaged in adaptive sports such as wheelchair cricket and basketball, highlighted the importance of inclusivity in sports. “The inclusion of individuals with disabilities in sports is a fundamental right. This is the first time wheelchair tennis is being held in Goa, and it’s great motivation for us all,” he commented.
Encouraging Adaptive Sports
Coach Suresh Kadam emphasized the tournament’s goal to inspire athletes to pursue their tennis aspirations. “It is incredible to see players on wheelchairs play at nearly professional levels. I hope many wheelchair users participate in this initiative,” he remarked.
Yogiraj Kamat, president of BPS Sports Club, Margao, underscored the importance of supporting adaptive sports. “This tournament promotes inclusivity and gives players with all skill sets a chance to shine. By supporting adaptive sports, we are encouraging more people to join and appreciate the talents of differently-abled athletes,” he stated.
Vikram Verlekar, sports chairman of BPS Sports Club, conceptualized the tournament to offer a platform for tennis players with disabilities. “I anticipate that these players will one day go on to represent and win laurels for Goa,” he added, acknowledging the support of Ashwin Chandiok of Baale Resorts in organizing the event.
Milestone in Inclusive Sports
Participants in the training session have competed in various adaptive sports tournaments, including the District-Level Para-Table Tennis Tournament Goa and the National Para-Badminton Championship. The Wheelchair Tennis Challenger Tournament represents a significant step in making sports accessible and inclusive in Goa.
Sports Minister Govind Gaude recently outlined a plan to provide para-athletes with exclusive access to a major training facility in Goa, further supporting their preparation for tournaments. This initiative marks a milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and accessibility in sports for all athletes in Goa.