Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 12: India delivered a strong performance to finish second at the ITF Asia Under-14 Development Championships Finals held in Colombo from March 29 to April 10, 2026, with standout players Puneeth Manohar and Srishti Kiran securing qualification for the prestigious Wimbledon U-14 Championships.

Competing against 14 nations over two weeks, India finished just behind Chinese Taipei, despite topping the standings in the opening week. The team showcased consistent performances across singles and doubles matches.

Puneeth Manohar emerged as one of India’s top performers, clinching the boys’ singles title in Week 1 with a remarkable comeback victory against Hong Kong’s Him Wong. After dropping the first set, he rallied to win the match 2-6, 7-5, 6-2, saving a match point along the way. He later added a runner-up finish in boys’ doubles during Week 2.

In the girls’ category, Srishti Kiran displayed exceptional consistency, reaching the singles finals in both weeks and finishing runner-up on both occasions. She also secured a runner-up position in girls’ doubles in Week 1.

Other team members also made key contributions. Padmapriya Ramesh Kumar teamed up with Srishti to finish second in girls’ doubles, while Taanish Nanda impressed in boys’ doubles in Week 2 and advanced to the singles semi-finals after defeating Indonesia’s top seed Frans Ethan.

In recognition of their performances, the Karnataka trio—Puneeth, Srishti, and Padmapriya—have been selected for the Grand Slam Player Development Programme, a pathway initiative supported by global and regional tennis bodies.

Sharing her excitement, Srishti called qualifying for Wimbledon a “dream come true” and expressed eagerness to compete on grass courts. Puneeth echoed similar sentiments, describing the achievement as a proud and special milestone made possible by years of hard work and support.

The tournament, organised by the International Tennis Federation in collaboration with the Asian Tennis Federation, is considered the premier competition in Asia for the under-14 category.

Congratulating the players, Sunil Yajaman praised their achievements, stating that multiple podium finishes and Wimbledon qualification highlight the growing strength and promise of Indian tennis on the global stage.