The Indian Blind Sports Association (IBSA), in collaboration with Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA), conducted a tennis coaching camp for coaches and visually challenged players recently at the MSLTA courts. The initiative was aimed at encouraging ‘sound ball’ tennis in the state.
Tennis is played using a specially modified ball, which makes a tinkling sound on contact with the surface. Players listen to the sound as it strikes and swing the tennis racquet according to their anticipation of the ball’s location. Eknath Khedekar, a visually challenged person who learnt to play sound tennis while studying in London, is the inspiration behind this.
Simon McFarland, a Tennis Ireland Level 2 (ITF Advanced) coach, conducted the camp. More than 20 players from all over India took part, along with coaches. The effort will help in participation in international sound ball tennis events.
McFarland was accompanied by Michael Blease, assistant coach, and Dr. Davinder Kapur, MBE. Paul Carter was present for the closing ceremony, along with Divyanshu Ganatra, founder of Beyond Barriers Foundation. Bharat Oza, president MSLTA and David Absalom, General Secretary Indian Blind Sports Association.