Registrations are open for the third edition of the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) National Tennis Championship, the Nepal Army (NA) said on Friday.

According to the NA, the national championship will see events across two categories—inter-governmental and open. “Players representing the three security forces—NA, APF and Nepal Police—will compete in the inter-governmental event while aspiring players aged above 14 years can take part in the open event,” the army said during a press conference at its headquarters in Bhadrakali.

The inter-governmental and open tournaments will take place from April 22 to 25 and May 3 to 10, respectively, and their registrations started on Friday. Applications will be accepted in the inter-governmental and open categories until April 18 and April 30, respectively.

“Nepal Army is active in the sports scenario and always aims to promote this sector,” said Brigadier General Gaurab Kumar KC, who is also the central spokesperson for the force. “The national championship in tennis is a part of it.”

Meanwhile, only male players can participate in the inter-governmental category that features two events—men’s singles and men’s doubles. “There is a shortage of female tennis players,” said Krishna Raj Ghale, the tournament supervisor.

Ghale, who is also a former national champion, argued that the shortage of female players was also the reason why they removed mixed doubles in the open category this edition.

“There will not be mixed doubles this edition as not all male players get a female partner,” Ghale said. There are four events in the open category this time—men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles and women’s doubles.

The NA also has both singles and doubles in seven different age categories for veterans aged 35+, 45+ and 55+. The 65+ and 70+ categories only have single events.

According to the Army Physical Training and Sports Centre, the two courts of the NA Officers Club and two in the Dasharath Stadium will be utilised for the tournament.

Nonetheless, organisers said that aspiring players need to get associated with a club in order to take part in the tournament. “This rule will not deny the best players from participating. Under a club, it is easy to regulate players,” Ghale said.

Also, the NA has increased cash prizes for the winners. Winners of the four events in the open category will get Rs60,000, the runner-up will receive Rs30,000, and the two second runner-ups will bag Rs16,000 each. Previously, the three winners got Rs50,000, Rs25000 and Rs15000, respectively.

“Tennis is a major sport internationally, but is struggling in Nepal,” Ghale said. “Events like the NA’s are helping in the expansion and promotion of tennis in Nepal.”

Post photo: Nayak Paudel

Nepal Army spokesperson Brigadier General Gaurab Kumar KC (right) at the press conference of the 3rd CoAS National Tennis Championship at the NA Headquarters in Kathmandu on Friday.