E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, JUN 02 - At 19, Priti Rijal is already one of the most celebrated players in Nepali women’s tennis. She is the three-time national defending champion and the winner of

numerous national awards. However, going by the international trend, if she ever thinks of making a name for herself in the international arena, it is time she made a foray.

But, Priti begs to differ. She put forward the case of Chinese players Zhen Jie and Li Na, who stole the limelight at a relatively older age. Jie was 26 when she reached the semifinals of the Australian Open this year, and similar was the story of Li Na. The Chinese duo not so celebrated until then, has now established themselves as strong contenders in any event they compete in.

Even if Priti thinks of following into the footsteps of the Chinese duo, her journey to that level will be difficult in view of the difference in the level of playing standard between the Nepali players and the rest of the world. She, however, has thought a way out.

In less than a month, she will be leaving for the U.S. for her higher studies at Collins College in Texas, a rare chance for a Nepali student, especially from a tennis background. Studies, of course, will be her first priority, but she also plans to take up the game to a more competitive level by competing in the college circuit.

“I was awarded a scholarship at Collins due to tennis, and it’s important I give continuity to my game in the best possible way,” she said.

In Texas, Priti will not be alone. She will have the guidance for some of the Nepalis that have made names for themselves in the college circuit. Among the few are Sujay Lama, who is one of the top women’s coaches in America, and more importantly, he is the man who helped her get the scholarship at Collins. She can also rely on her own sibling Utsab Rijal. Utsab is the tennis team captain of Luther College, the same college that helped Sujay Lama to achieve success he enjoys now.

The impression the two (Sujay and Utsab) have left in the college circuit will definitely have a considerable impact on Priti’s career in Texas. “Yes, I will definitely have to live up to their expectation. Although it’s going to be difficult, it will also help me develop as a player,” she said.

With the experience she gets from the college tennis, Priti has already drafted a plan to take her game to a higher level. If things go as her way, she will be representing Nepal in the Asian Games in China in November. Nepal is competing in the event after more than 20 years, thanks to the All Nepal Lawn Tennis Association’s continuous pleading to the National Sports Council.

The Asian Games will be the highlight of her career, and who knows, perhaps the gateway to success for

this ambitious 19-year-old, who shows strong resolve to promote Nepali tennis.

Posted on: 2010-06-02 09:09

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