South Korean car maker Kia Motors announced the biggest-ever squad of ballkids to represent India at the Australian Open in January 2019. More than 1800 young tennis enthusiasts from across India attended open try-outs for the opportunity to represent their country in the elite Australian Open ballkid squad, with Indian tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi working as a mentor for the programme.
Officials from Tennis Australia selected the top 10 based on criteria including elite ball-handling and agility skills, excellent concentration, the willingness to work as part of a team, and a positive attitude.
The programme witnessed a staggering participation of more than 1800 young tennis enthusiasts from across the country, out of which the Australian Open officials selected the biggest ever ballkids squad of 10 for the Australian Open 2019. The official Kia Indian ballkid squad consists of Sarthak Gandhi, M Varshith Kuar Reddy, Naman Mehta, Ankit Pillania, Akshit Choudhary, Sonam Dewan, Ribhav Ojha, Swati Malhotra, Jennika Jaison and Ananya Singh hailing from different parts of India which is a testament to the immense passion in youth all over the country.
During the try-outs more than 100 kids were shortlisted through various tests which consisted of five different rounds testing the kids on their athletic and communication skills. “I am very happy to see the overwhelming response from young tennis enthusiasts for the Australian Open Ballkids International Programme presented by Kia. This program will definitely boost the interest of kids towards tennis and would give them an opportunity to experience the sport in its truest form. It gives me immense pleasure to bring this program to India,” said Kookhyun Shim, Managing Director & CEO of Kia Motors India.
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