Somdev felicitated for CWG, Asian Games feats

CHENNAI - It was time for nostalgia and emotions as the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA) Thursday felicitated Somdev Devvarman who will be carrying Indias hopes in the Aircel ATP Chennai Open tennis tournament here Jan 3-9.

His feats of winning the singles gold at the Commonwealth Games followed by a “golden double” at the Asian Games this year were recalled as Somdev was presented with a traditional shawl and a commemorative watch.

TNTA president M.A. Alagappan reminded the gathering that Somdev did his schooling in the city while also learning the nuances of the sport during his formative years.

Organising committee chairman Karthi P. Chidambaram recalled the halcyon days of the Krishnans, the Amritraj siblings, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi all of whom have their roots in Chennai.

In his response, Somdev thanked the TNTA and also some of his peers like Ramesh Krishnan, who was among the invitees, for giving direction to his career.