Bhubeneswar, Dec 13: Highest number of more than 450 players of the State taking part in the three day long 24th Nalco Open Tennis Tournament, which kicks started at Kalinga Stadium, Tennis Complex here on Friday, being organised by Bhubaneswar District Tennis Association (BDTA).
The players will participate in nine different categories like Under 14 Boys, Under 18 Boys, Under 14 Girls, Women open singles Open Singles, Men Open Doubles, Veteran categories above 40 years, 50 years, and 60 years separate doubles categories. The tournament featured a total cash award of Rs 4.32 lakhs.
The winners, runners-up, semi-finalists and quarter-finalists in all categories would receive Rs 18,000, Rs 12,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 8,000 respectively.
The professional coaches can only participate in the men’s open doubles category. While each player is allowed a maximum of two events.
Dr T K Patnaik Director ( HR ) Nalco inaugurated the tournament as the chief guest in presence of Asutosh Rath ED HR Nalco and Suresh Mohapatra ( IAS- Retd.) President BDTA, Saswat Mishra ( IAS ) Secretary BDTA, Debidutta Biswal (IFS), Vice President- BDTA and P. Arthanari (IFS).
