PANJIM: Simran Imran Khan, has displayed phenomenal skills at the on going Clube Gasper Dias Open tennis tournament being held at the Miramar, Panjim on Thursday. Simran surged ahead with one win and a loss but the girl from Khareband, Margao is optimistic of making an impact at this tournament.
“I have always dreamt of being a tennis player and for this very reason I decided to pursue my passion in Hyderabad,” informed the Std XII student. Simran completed her schooling at Bhatikar Model High School Margao and is pursuing further studies through correspondence. Her life revolves around tennis to such a great extent trains hard so that she could make a career in tennis.
“There is no good scope for tennis in Goa. Besides that we have limited courts for practice here, hence my parents decided to move to Hyderabad so that I could chase my dreams under professional guidance,” said Simran.
She tasted her first win at a very early stage emerging on top in 2010-12. Her quest to grow emulating tennis star Serena Williams led her to take tennis coaching in Hyderabad. Simran is the only daughter of Imran Khan who made sure that his daughters love for tennis blossomed at the home town of Sania Mirza.
“I train hard at the Tariq Sports Academy in Hyderabad with coach Kalem Ahmed guiding me to perform under stressful situations. I have learnt not to miss a ball and go all out to play my shots without missing the ball. In this tournament I feel there is not much of a competition as tennis is yet to take flight. But I see some quality opponent in Charmaine,” said Simran.
The Goan girl has sacrificed her prime time of her life to sharpen her skills in tennis in hope of making it big in tennis. Her sheer determination to excel and perform was seen at the age of 13.
“I remember my first game. I was the runners-up in my first tournament but I tasted my first win in the U-14, all Goa State Tennis tournament held at Panjim Gymkhana in 2012. Thereafter I was all charged up to outmatch my opponents in the following games. I believe my strong point being to smash the odd ball without giving my opponent a opportunity to crawl back led me to win the title in 2012 at Panjim,” said Simran.
The Margao girl is fired up and looks to win the title despite the tough challenges in this tournament.
