राजस्थान की जाह्नवी काजला ने तमिलनाडु की साविथा बी. को हराकर टेनिस प्रतियोगिता के फाइनल में जीत हासिल की।
Final Match Details and Key Performances
The final, played on March 12, 2024, saw Kajla overcome Savitha B. in three sets, with the scoreline finalizing at 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. Kajla, a 16-year-old from Jaipur, demonstrated consistent baseline play and strategic shot placement, while Savitha B., a 17-year-old from Chennai, relied on aggressive net approaches, according to match analysts covering the event.
AITA officials confirmed the result through a press release, noting that Rajasthan’s team had previously finished third in the 2022 edition. The victory cements Rajasthan’s emergence as a rising force in junior tennis, with Kajla’s win being the first individual gold for the state in this category since 2010.
Historical Context and Tournament Significance
The National School Lawn Tennis Championship, organized annually by AITA, brings together top junior players from across India. The 2024 edition featured 128 participants aged 14-18, with Rajasthan’s team comprising 12 players selected through regional qualifiers. This year’s tournament was the first to include a mixed doubles category, though the gold in the singles event remains the primary focus for state pride.
Rajasthan’s previous notable performance came in 2018, when the state secured a silver in the boys’ doubles. The 2024 win, however, is seen as a milestone for the state’s tennis development program, which has invested in grassroots training centers since 2019, according to a 2023 AITA audit.
Player Backgrounds and Coaching Insights
Kajla, coached by former national team player Rajiv Malhotra, has been part of Rajasthan’s junior academy since 2020. Malhotra highlighted her mental resilience during the final, stating, “Jahnvi’s ability to adapt her game under pressure sets her apart. This win is a testament to her dedication and the state’s growing infrastructure.”
Savitha B., representing Tamil Nadu, is coached by former ITF pro Anjali Ranganathan. Ranganathan noted, “Savitha’s aggressive style is a product of our focus on attacking tennis. While we’re disappointed, this experience will help her grow.” Both players are now eligible for the 2024 ITF Junior Circuit, pending AITA approval.
Impact on State and National Tennis Programs
The victory has prompted Rajasthan’s Sports Department to announce a ₹50 lakh grant for junior tennis development, as reported by The Hindu. The funds will support new training facilities in Jaipur and Udaipur, expanding the state’s existing network of 15 tennis courts dedicated to youth programs.
Nationally, the win underscores the increasing competitiveness of state-level programs. AITA’s 2023-24 participation report shows a significant rise in registered junior players compared to the previous year, with Rajasthan’s enrollment growing notably since 2021.
What’s Next for the Players and Teams
Kajla is set to compete in the 2024 Orange Bowl Junior Tennis Championship in Miami, pending visa and tournament slot approvals. Savitha B. will join the ITF Junior Circuit’s Asian events later this year, according to her coach’s statement.
The next National School Lawn Tennis Championship is scheduled for March 2025 in Bhopal. AITA has announced plans to introduce a team event format for the 2025 edition, aiming to boost participation, as per their official tournament guidelines.
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