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MY INSPIRATION

I am deeply grateful to my father for kindling my passion for tennis at the tender age of five when he bestowed upon me my first tennis racket. Since that moment, tennis has become an intrinsic part of my life, shaping my character both on and off the court. For the past seven years, Grow Tennis Academy has been my sanctuary—a place where I forge connections, engage in meaningful conversations, and hone my skills alongside like-minded athletes, all under the expert guidance of my inspirational coach and mentor, Mr. Gaurav Sharma. I proudly represent my school as the Tennis Captain and have garnered numerous accolades through my participation in tournaments organized by the esteemed All India Tennis Association (AITA) over the years. However, my fascination with Wheelchair Tennis unfolded when I witnessed its awe-inspiring spectacle during the prestigious Wimbledon tournament. The sheer determination exhibited by these extraordinary athletes, propelling their wheels across the tennis court and striking the ball with the finesse of any able-bodied professional, left an indelible impression on me.

Esther Vergeer, the iconic Dutch Wheelchair Tennis player, serves as my ultimate role model. Her triumphs in securing Paralympic Gold Medals and Grand Slam Championships have not only captivated me but also elevated her to the status of an exceptional ambassador for Wheelchair Tennis on a global scale. Watching her enthralling matches on YouTube has been an enriching experience, further fuelling my admiration for the sport. In my pursuit of exploring Wheelchair Tennis, I delved into the Indian Wheelchair Tennis Tour—a commendable non-profit initiative pioneered by Mr. Sunil Jain, aimed at promoting the finest Indian talent on the international stage. It is through this platform that I have had the privilege and honour of personally connecting with and learning from India's top-ranked Wheelchair Tennis players.

I owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to tennis for its transformative impact on my life. It has imbued me with invaluable life lessons and experiences. As a testament to my deep-rooted appreciation, I have embarked on the "Aces On Wheels" project—an endeavor through which I aspire to give back to the sport that has given me so much, albeit in my modest capacity.

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© Aces on Wheels by Shiv Khanna

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