Published: September 20, 2026 at 9:50 pm
The Kia Tennis Premier League (TPL), in partnership with Kia India and its eight franchise teams, announced the launch of their grassroots initiative programme, aimed at changing the way young tennis players in India are developed.
As part of this initiative, the eight TPL franchise teams, GS Delhi Aces, Gujarat Panthers, Mumbai Royals, Rajasthan Rangers, Lucknow Blazers, Kolkata Thunder Blades, Gurgaon Grand Slammers and Hyderabad Strikers, are conducting two-day tennis camps and TPL 1000 Tournaments across their respective cities.
The initiative got off to a strong start with its first two camps in Delhi and Gujarat on September 19 and 20, attracting around 300 participants in Delhi and 250 in Gujarat. Six more tournaments and camps are scheduled across the country: Mumbai (October 10–11), Jaipur (October 17–18), Kolkata and Lucknow (October 31–November 1), Gurgaon (November 14–15), and Hyderabad (November 28–29).
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The two-day format has been designed to ensure every participant receives exposure to each development area, including nutrition, fitness, physiotherapy and sports psychology. While one age group competes in tournament matches, the other groups take part in specialised development sessions, creating a rotational format that combines competition with learning and athlete education. The camps are being run across Under-10, Under-12, Under-14 and Under-18 categories, for both boys and girls.
India has not produced an Olympic tennis medal since 1996 and currently has no men’s singles player in the ATP Top 200. Kia Tennis Premier League’s objective is to change that.
TPL aims to build ecosystem for junior players
Through this initiative, the Kia TPL aims to build a more complete development ecosystem for junior players, one that goes beyond matches to address the gaps in nutrition, fitness, physiotherapy and sports psychology that often sit outside a young player’s regular training.
Tennis Premier League’s grassroots tournaments in association with Kia India are already underway across the country, the league is taking its first steps towards building a more complete ecosystem, that can give India the opportunity to produce its next Olympic tennis champion.
Alongside the tournaments, young players and their parents are being introduced to nutrition sessions by Cafe Nutrition, sports psychology sessions by Nudge Sports, and physiotherapy and fitness sessions led by top professionals. The team mentors are also engaging with the young players, sharing practical insights on how to approach matches, handle different playing conditions and develop the mindset required to compete at the next level.
Speaking on the initiative, Kunal Thakkur, co-founder, Kia Tennis Premier League, said: “India currently does not have a men’s singles player in the ATP Top 200, while our last Olympic tennis medal came in 1996 through Leander Paes. What we are doing today is taking the first step towards addressing this gap. With TPL grassroots tournaments already in full swing across the country and several initiatives planned for juniors, we are building a stronger pathway for young players to develop, compete and eventually reach the highest levels of the sport.”
Mrunal Jain, co-founder, Kia Tennis Premier League, added: “RTG Scholarship has shown us the impact of giving young players the right support and exposure. These camps build on that foundation by combining competitive tennis with guidance across fitness, physiotherapy, nutrition and sports psychology. Our aim is to help every participant learn, grow and see a clear pathway towards Tennis and beyond.”
“With our long-standing global association with tennis, we have seen how early exposure and participation can shape a young player’s journey in the sport. This initiative creates an opportunity to bring that philosophy closer to India by connecting young talent with competitive exposure and a more holistic approach to development. We are pleased to be part of an initiative that encourages the next generation to engage with tennis, experience the sport at a higher level and aspire to go further,” Kia India’s brand statement mentioned.
