The IC of India triumphs at the IC Rod Laver Junior Challenge Asia-Oceania qualifier in Singapore

The IC Rod Laver Junior Challenge Asia-Oceania regional qualifier 2024 took place in Singapore from 16-19 December, welcoming top junior tennis talent representing the ICs of India, Japan and Singapore.

Hosted at the Winchester Tennis Arena, Singapore’s premier indoor tennis venue, the event brought together future stars in a friendly yet fiercely competitive environment. Organized by the International Tennis Club (IC) of Singapore, the tournament showcased not only athletic skill but also international camaraderie.

Teams from IC India and IC Japan arrived on 16 December and began practice sessions to get accustomed to the courts. That evening, players and team managers gathered for a welcome reception at Uncle Ho’s Restaurant, where they shared a Vietnamese dinner and got to know each other ahead of match play. The tournament format featured six matches per tie: two boys' singles, two girls' singles, one boys' doubles, and one girls' doubles, all played with no-ad scoring using Slazenger Wimbledon balls.

On Day 1, Team India got off to a strong start, defeating host nation Team Singapore. The next day, Team Japan delivered an impressive 6-0 sweep against Singapore. After the matches, IC Singapore members treated the visiting teams to a day out in the city, strengthening the bonds formed on court.

The final day of competition saw Team India face Team Japan in a thrilling tie. With a 4-2 victory, Team India clinched the championship, earning the title of Asia-Oceania regional winners.

The closing dinner at the popular Sum Kee Restaurant was a heartwarming end to the week, with all participants coming together to celebrate new friendships and memorable matches over traditional Chinese cuisine. On 20 December, the visiting teams departed, marking the close of a highly successful tournament.

The IC of India will progress to the Worldwide Finals taking place in Barcelona in July.