Davis Cup coach Nandan Bal gives tips to trainees at Chachal on Wednesday. Picture by UB Photos

Davis Cup coach Nandan Bal is currently conducting a weeklong advanced programme for a group of 16 players at the All Assam Tennis Association’s complex at Chachal.

Saurav Bora catches up with the former tennis player in an exclusive interview.

There is no dearth of talent in Assam, or for that matter, in the Northeast. In fact, a majority have the potential to be up there among the best. But what tennis players here need is self-confidence, which they lack. But that can be overcome if they take part in tournaments outside the region. They need to travel more,” Bal said.

Impressed with the facilities at the tennis complex, he said: “Players are fortunate to have superb facilities here at Chachal. The complex has six state-of-the-art synthetic courts, which I think is a luxury. The tranquil atmosphere here makes it perfect for tennis. Credit goes to AATA secretary Raktim Saikia, a man whom I have known for over 15 years now. He, for one, knows what is good for tennis and those who play the sport in this neck of the woods.”

Praising the AATA mission to train players on home turf since 2007, the burly former Davis Cup player says: “Annually, you have eight to 10 tournaments for all levels here across Assam now, thanks to the association’s objective to groom youngsters into players of national repute. Now, a player here can accumulate valuable points and improve his or her rankings. Besides, they also get to meet players from outside the region during tourneys and thereby can gauge where they stand.”

But the ITF coach is a tad circumspect about the home advantage.

“While players here can accumulate points in their backyard, it prevents them from travelling abroad. For instance, in a meet here in Assam, a player, be it in the sub-junior, junior or senior level, gets to interact with say about 20 players from outside. Whereas, in away tournaments, a player gets to meet and learn from a 100-odd counterparts from various parts of the country. The scope of exposure and interaction thereby is broadened,” he says.

Bal also feels players should be taught the right way.

“The coaches’ education programme of the All India Tennis Association has helped boost the standard of training over the past eight years. It is essential that players are taught the right way. Therefore, a coach should know his craft well,” he says.

And how is the coaching camp here progressing?

“Well, today is my fourth day. I am amazed at the talent the kids have. Priyana Kalita, for one, can hit the ball well and so does Arkashish Mayukh Talukdar. Then there is Angshuman Phukan, who I believe is just nine. They have the skills and this camp will help finetune them,” the coach said.

“The camp is all about preparing the trainees — 11 boys and five girls — for the two AITA Super Series coming up in mid-July. We are emphasising three aspects — technical, tactical and match situations,” he added.

The game has changed hands over the decades.

From a select few to the commoner, tennis is now being played in the small towns as well.

“It’s a welcome change. In Pune, we encourage students from the primary level. Under a programme that we recently started, as many as 1,500 students in the age group of four to seven are being provided with all facilities, including gear, in two schools. The idea is to promote sport, not just tennis, from the primary level itself. It’s basically mixing fun with sport, which is important,” Bal, who runs several coaching centres across Maharashtra, says.

Asked about Tripura lad Somdev Devvarman who has made a mark in the global circuit, Bal says, “Somdev is strong, physically and mentally. Though he does not have a big game, he is a team player to the core, a trait he has developed during his stint in the US. He is one who will always do well in Davis Cup, among others.”

And finally, what is the success mantra for aspirants?

“Well, players should be ready to accept defeat. They should learn to lose first. Only then will they learn to win. Success is something which comes after years of training and playing. Parents, too, must understand the fact and not expect too much too soon,” he adds.