Former chess player Prachura PP met the Indian team in Bengaluru for the Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs. The American Gambits co-owner exchanged jerseys with Captain Vishal Uppal and wished the players luck for the high-stakes home tie.
Former international chess player and co-owner of American Gambits, Prachura PP, met the Indian team at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru ahead of the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs, scheduled from November 14-16. The interaction took place as the team continued its final preparations ahead of the high-stakes tie that will decide qualification for the World Group, according to a press release from American Gambits.
A Gesture of Sporting Camaraderie
During his visit, Prachura exchanged jerseys with Team India Captain Vishal Uppal, in a gesture symbolising mutual respect and sporting camaraderie. He also interacted with players Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Ankita Raina, Riya Bhatia, and Prarthana Thombare, extending his best wishes as they prepare to represent India on home soil.
Team India Squad
Vaidehi Chaudhari has been named as the reserve player, while Zeel Desai and Shruti Ahlawat have been invited to join the national coaching camp. Radhika Kanitkar will serve as the coach, with Vishal Uppal leading the side as captain.
A Historic Milestone for Indian Tennis
This year marks a special milestone for Indian tennis, as India will host the Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs for the very first time, providing local fans the rare opportunity to witness top-level international women’s tennis in Bengaluru, the American Gambits press release added.
Path to the World Group
The tournament brings together the region’s best teams, with India set to compete against the Netherlands and Slovenia in Group G. The group winner will advance to the prestigious World Group, where the elite nations of women’s tennis vie for the global title.
About the Billie Jean King Cup
The Billie Jean King Cup, with over 130 nations participating, is the world’s largest annual international team competition in women’s sport. Often described as the Women’s World Cup.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)