My dream is to win Davis Cup for India: Somdev

AGARTALA - India No.1 Somdev Devvarman Monday said his dream is to lead India to a Davis Cup title win.

“India have entered in the World Group of tennis. My dream is to bring the Davis Cup title for my country,” Somdev said during a felicitation organised by the Tripura government, where he was given a standing ovation.

“The future of Tripura’s sports is bright as hundreds of talented players are coming up. My parents’ all out support helped me a lot to became a tennis player,” said Somdev, who won two gold medals at the Guangzhou Asian Games last month and a record breaking gold medal in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

The tennis sensation, who belongs to the Tripura’s erstwhile royal family, came here Saturday after a month’s practice in Texas in the US.

Thrilled by the huge reception in the presence of hundreds of sports-loving people, Somdev said : “I loved to play tennis and fly the tricolour abroad. I enjoy playing on behalf of my country.”

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Sports Minister Tapan Chakraborty, their cabinet colleagues, assembly Speaker Ramendra Chandra Debnath, Somdev’s father Pravanjan Kishore Devvarman and mother Ranjana were also present at the felicitation.

Sarkar said : “You (Somdev) have become an immense source of inspiration for all the sportspersons in India as well as Tripura. The people of Tripura, along with the rest of the country, would be happy to see your upcoming successes and feats in the international arena.”

“Somdev’s success proves beyond doubt that there is no dearth of talent in northeast India and that all these bright youngsters need a platform or an opening to prove their capability. We strongly believe that Somdev would win gold medals in the Olympic games too,” he said.

At the felicitation, a gold medal bearing the likeness of Rabindranath Tagore, a tennis racket made of silver, Rs.500,000 in cash, a plaque and other mementoes were given to Somdev.