FORMER Fiji lawn tennis player Graham Venkataya wants to see more competitions for junior players to set the platform for future representation.
Venkataya will be conducting tennis clinics for children at the Victoria Courts in Suva today. He is also a Tennis Canada certified instructor.
Venkataya represented Fiji at the 1979 South Pacific Games in Suva and from 1976 to 1978 he played in the South Pacific International.
He said he wanted to develop players for the future.
“I know people in Fiji have talent and my idea is to bring awareness to many people as possible because when I was playing in 1970s there were lot of teenagers involved in the sport,” he said.
“I want to see a regular tournament for the juniors in the under-10, under-14 and under-18.
“Every Saturday we will be having tennis sessions for children and even their parents can come and learn tennis. My main goal is to develop under-10, under-14 and under-18 players.”
Venkataya said he had plans in the bag which should bear fruits in years to come.
“Suva was once a powerful tennis centre but as years passed it died out. Tournaments bring people together and that is where players show their skills,” he added.
“I also give private and semi-private lessons. The certificate which I have gives me the opportunity to coach anywhere in the world but I have chosen Fiji because this is my homeland and I want to give back to this country.”
The tennis clinic will be from 8am to 10am.
