Kovai tennis players’ crowd-funding campaign wins USD 1 lakh

The 27-year-old said that initially they were hesitant, and then decided to go ahead with it as the greater cause was important. “We were tired of asking for sponsors and felt like beggars. We are players who have represented the country and did not want to lose self-respect. Then we had a brainwave. We came up with the idea of starting a campaign on Indiegogo, titled ‘Journey to Wimbledon’,” said Sriram.

The idea made quite an impact on Facebook, with a lot of well-wishers and fans sharing the page passionately, as well as urging their friends to contribute towards the goal of raising $100,000 in two months. 

The duo started 2017 with a combined ranking of 590 and by winning six ITF titles and four ATP Challengers in 2017, finished this year with a career-highest combined ranking of 247 (Vishnu is ranked 115 and Sriram Balaji is 132). 

“Our immediate target for 2018 would be to get selected for the Asian Games and winning a medal, as well as break into the top 100. We have already been selected for the Wimbledon qualifying rounds,” Sriram noted. 

Both Vishnu and Balaji are eager to support the upcoming talent of India and nearby regions, including Africa and South East Asia. If this campaign is successful, a portion of the proceeds will be used to commence a development fund and form a trust for the same.