OVER 50 young tennis players participated in the second edition of the Katoto Tennis Tournament (KTT) held yesterday in Dodoma.

The event, organized by the Dodoma-based Katoto Tennis Academy, attracted budding talents from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, and the host city Dodoma. Tournament coordinator Paul Ngavi said the competition was designed to promote the adoption of tennis in the capital and across the central zone.

“During its inception, the academy started with just four children, but today it runs a clinic with more than 40 young players,” he noted. Ngavi, a Nairobi-based coach, added that the academy plans to expand the game’s footprint by establishing tennis clubs from grassroots level - starting in primary schools through to secondary schools. 

He appealed to the government to support efforts to introduce tennis at an early age, citing the sport’s contribution to both children’s health and cognitive growth.

Parents also voiced strong support. Bernald Konga, father of Noran Konga - a promising young female player - encouraged others to let their children embrace the game.

“I used to play many sports including football, basketball and volleyball, but I never thought of tennis,” he said. “When choosing a sport for my daughter, tennis stood out, especially after discovering the academy. Since joining, she has experienced positive physical and mental growth.”

Sharifa Adon from Arusha stressed the need to change the perception that tennis is a sport only for the wealthy.

“For example, at the tennis academy some children are from orphanages and others from ordinary families,” she said.

Young players themselves also shared their experiences. Hellen Mtaka, who joined the academy at the age of three, said tennis has shaped her both on and off the court.

“I have competed and won in several tournaments across the country,” she said. “Tennis not only refreshes the mind but also sharpens decision-making skills and boosts academic performance.”