Vijay Goel meets Rohan Bopanna, discusses 'promotion of tennis'

Ace Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna, who recently became the fourth Indian to win a grand slam after clinching the mixed doubles title at the French Open, on Wednesday, met Union Minister of Sports Vijay Goel to discuss the promotion of tennis among youth in the country.

Bopanna, playing alongside Canada's Gabriela Dabrowski, clinched his maiden Grand Slam title at the Roland Garros last Thursday.

The seventh-seeded Indo-Canadian pair staged a comeback after losing the opening set and defeated Lena Groenefeld and Farah 6-2, 2-6, 12-10 in a summit clash that lasted for one hour and six minutes at Court Philippe Chatrier.

The Sports Minister shared the pictures of him meeting the 37-year-old tennis star on his official Twitter handle.

"Delighted to meet #FrenchOpen Mixed Doubles '17 winner @rohanbopanna; discussed promotion of #tennis among #youth. Keep inspiring all Rohan!" wrote Goel.

Speaking to reporters after the meet, Goel said, "I discussed about the promotion of tennis with Bopanna. He told me about his academy and I am happy that already there are around 70 students there. The government always encourages such private academies."

"I wish he open his academies in the other parts of the country as well," he added.

Meanwhile, Bopanna thanked Goel for taking out his time and said, "It was really nice that he took out some time to meet me.I am really happy that he is encouraging sports a lot."

"I think this is what is required in India for every aspect in our field, no matter what sport it is," he added.

Bopanna became only the fourth Indian to win a Grand Slam title after Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza.

The All India Tennis Association has also declared that they will recommend the tennis player from Bangalore for this year's Arjuna Award.

Speaking about the same, Bopanna told ANI, "We will know in a few months if I receive the award or not, if I do, I would be very grateful and very honoured.