VISHAKHAPATNAM: Tennis sensation Saketh Myneni, who won Silver at the Asian Games 2023 on Friday, spoke passionately as he dedicated his award to the nation.
Myneni, who hails from Visakhapatnam, has expressed his belief that true honour and exhilaration are not determined by the medal’s hue but by its importance for his cherished nation.
He boasts of an impressive tennis career. With a remarkable streak of reaching the world group play-offs for eight consecutive years, he clinched the gold medal in men's doubles at the South Asian Games in 2019.
Myneni's dominance was further underlined by his 18 national challenger titles and 28 international futures victories. He proudly represented India in 152 singles and 167 doubles tournaments on the international tennis circuit.
In an interview to Deccan Chronicle, Myneni reflected on his journey in tennis and said, "I never had a plan to become a tennis player. I initially took up tennis as a physical activity. My bachelor's degree course in the US occasioned a significant transformation of my sporting career. I have immense pride in representing the nation. Whether a silver or gold, winning a medal for the nation is the ultimate honour."
He said, "I aspire to play in prestigious tournaments. Young aspirants must be encouraged to follow their passion, dream big and work relentlessly to achieve their goals."
Recognizing the challenges in the sports field in India, he said, "Success will come, but the need is to increase the number of youths taking up sports."
