Srinagar, October 11, 2025 – The Srinagar Open Tennis Championship ignited the courts of Gindun Tennis Stadium in Rajbagh today, drawing enthusiastic crowds for a thrilling opening day featuring 16 high-octane matches. Organized by the District Srinagar Lawn Tennis Association under the aegis of the Jammu & Kashmir Lawn Tennis Association (JKLTA), this annual showcase of talent promises to spotlight emerging stars and seasoned players alike, fostering the growth of tennis in the Valley amid Kashmir’s crisp autumn breeze.The event, which runs over the next week, opened with a bang as debutant Mohammad Qais marked his entry into the senior circuit with a commanding performance, upstaging expectations in his first-round clash. While most fixtures unfolded predictably with favorites advancing, the day was alive with baseline rallies, net volleys, and unyielding serves under the stadium’s floodlights. Key highlights included local hopefuls like Irfan Bhat navigating tight sets, echoing the grit that defines Kashmiri sportsmanship. Spectators, including families and young enthusiasts, filled the stands, cheering on the action that blended precision with passion.
Gindun Stadium, a historic hub for regional sports, provided the perfect backdrop with its well-maintained clay courts and vibrant atmosphere. Dilbagh Singh, Manager of Gindun Tennis Courts and a veteran coach, inaugurated the proceedings, emphasizing the championship’s role in nurturing grassroots talent. “Tennis in Srinagar is more than a game; it’s a pathway to discipline, health, and unity. With 16 matches today, we’ve set the tone for a tournament that will inspire the next generation,” Singh remarked. The JKLTA has lined up singles and doubles categories across age groups, with prizes for top performers and special recognition for sportsmanlike conduct.As the championship unfolds, it aligns with broader efforts to revive outdoor sports in Jammu & Kashmir post-pandemic, encouraging youth participation and promoting fitness in serene settings like Rajbagh.
Organisers anticipate over 100 players competing, with semifinals slated for the weekend. Entry is free, inviting the public to witness live the aces, dropshots, and triumphs that make tennis timeless.This Srinagar Open not only celebrates athletic prowess but also reinforces the Valley’s sporting heritage, one swing at a time. Tennis fans are urged to head to Gindun Stadium for the ongoing spectacle, where every match is a step towards a fitter, more connected Kashmir.
