SRINAGAR, October 25: Dr Ghulam Hassan, a founding figure of the J&K Amateur Soft Tennis Association, has been appointed coach-cum-manager of the Indian team for the forthcoming World Soft Tennis Championship in China, adding to Jammu and Kashmir’s representation at the international event.
The appointment was confirmed by the Amateur Soft Tennis Federation of India (ASTFI). Hassan previously served as an official with the Indian contingent at the 9th Asian Soft Tennis Championship held in South Korea from September 13 to 23, 2025.
His selection comes as three players from Jammu and Kashmir—Sidhani Singh, Shreemai Bhatt and Madhvender Singh Sambyal—prepare to represent India at the world championship following their performances in national-level competitions.
At the 21st Junior National Soft Tennis Championship held at the Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Sports Complex in Srinagar, Shreemai Bhatt won two bronze medals, while Madhvender Singh Sambyal secured one.
Hassan has played a key role in promoting soft tennis across Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on rural outreach, district-level competitions and opportunities for young players to progress to higher levels of competition. The efforts have helped expand the sport beyond established sporting centres.
“Taking the game to rural areas and providing a platform to budding sportspersons has been our priority,” Hassan has said.
As coach-cum-manager, he will be part of the team’s support structure, helping coordinate preparations and attending to players’ welfare and other team requirements during the international campaign.
The simultaneous selection of three players and an official from Jammu and Kashmir reflects the Union Territory’s growing participation in soft tennis at the national level.
The development also highlights the importance of sustained grassroots work and institutional support in helping young athletes access national and international competitions.
The next challenge will be to build on this progress through better infrastructure, more qualified coaches and wider participation across districts to create a stronger pipeline of players capable of competing at the highest levels.
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