India’s Tennis Potential Recognized Through Khelo India, Says Australian Coach Todd Clark

The Khelo India initiative has been lauded by Australian tennis coach Todd Clark, who has been associated with Indian tennis for nearly two decades. Clark emphasized that the programme has provided teenagers with a sense of purpose, as he believes “nothing is more troublesome than a bored teen.”

Clark, who arrived in India in 2008, is currently serving as the Director of Tennis at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha. He has been guiding his trainees at the ongoing Khelo India University Games in Jaipur.

The coach, who was part of the Indian contingent at the 2025 Summer World University Games in Germany, highlighted the historic achievement of Vaishnavi Adkar, who won a women’s singles bronze medal. This medal was India’s first-ever women’s tennis medal at the event and only the second medal in Indian tennis history, following a silver by Nandan Bal in 1979.

Clark stated that Khelo India provides opportunities for young people to pick up sports, excel, and potentially pursue careers in athletics, while also fostering character development, health, and wellness. He also praised the sports infrastructure in Jaipur, noting that it had been improved significantly for the Games.

Having worked at the Harvest Tennis Academy in Punjab, and later in Gujarat and Haryana, Clark underlined that India has significant tennis potential, but talent identification and proper guidance remain areas that could be improved. He explained that physical suitability, such as height, plays a role in tennis success, noting that aspiring players should be advised on sports that match their physique. For instance, a player who is around 5'4" may have better prospects in other sports rather than tennis, which typically favors taller athletes.

Clark’s comments reflect a broader recognition of Khelo India as a platform that nurtures sporting talent, strengthens youth engagement, and promotes athletic growth across India.