IPTL team owners and players convene in London

IPTL team owners and players convene in London

22 June 2014

The team owners and players of the Dubai, Singapore, India and Manila franchises convened for an evening of celebration at the Cannizaro Hotel in Wimbledon.

Ajay Sethi with Ana Ivanovic. — Supplied photo

In the first of a series of gala events culminating in Tennis’ newest spectacle, the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL), the team owners and players of the Dubai, Singapore, India and Manila franchises convened for an evening of celebration at the Cannizaro Hotel in Wimbledon.

In attendance was cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, who along with close friends, Kishen Ghelot from Kenya, Ajay Sethi Chairman Channel Group Coprporation Dubai, and Shashi Shetty the Vice-Chairman of the Avvashya group, who owns the Singapore franchise.

Delighted at being a part of the IPTL, Gavaskar said: “Tennis as a sport has always been instrumental in transcending borders and catering to multiple demographies, therefore our decision to bid for the Singapore franchise, in what I believe is the next big step towards the Golden Era of Tennis. Singapore rivals my hometown Mumbai as one of the greatest cities of Asia, and I’m confident that the cosmopiltan nature of Singapore will ensure that our franchise is a great success.”

Also present were the proud owners of the Indian franchise, Micromax, represented by Promoter Rahul Sharma and Marketing Head Shaubhodip Pal, whose franchise features a star studded line-up including 14-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal and the faces of Indian tennis — Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza. Delighted at being part of the IPTL, Rahul Sharma said “Tennis is a much-loved sport in India and represets the ‘can’ do attitude that Micromax strives for. We are sure of establishing a strong connection between the Micromax brand and sports lovers across the world.”

The event also hosted the Dubai franchise, co-owned by Sachin Gadoya, co-founder and CEO of Musafir.com — a premium-experience travel website; alongside five of his friends. The team that boasts of marquee player Novak Djokovic, who commenting on the IPTL said “After winning three consecutive Championships in Dubai, the city holds a special place in my heart. I’m glad to be representing this treasure of the UAE across Asia and hope it continues to be my lucky charm.” Djokovic was joined at the event by a host of team members as well as other players.

Francis Lumen, promoter of the Manila Franchise, could not contain his excitement “We rarely get to see live World Clas sport in the Philippines and this team will garner tremendous support.”

The IPTL is the first of its kind event in Tennis to go beyond geographical borders, encouraging a competitive franchise based competition. The league, with a total prize money budget of 29.7 million dollar, aims to spread through a total of eight cities, revolutionising the sport of Tennis.

 

 

IPTL team owners and players convene in London