Tennis fraternity excited over resumption of sports

The return of sports in the country is a massive relief, according to Uganda Tennis Association (UTA) administrator Alvin Bagaya.

Bagaya reaction comes after many tennis players and coaches were getting worried that the return of sports may take longer than they expected.

"The return of sports is a big relief for the players, coaches, officials plus the parents of some of our players. We are now looking forward to easing back to the game, especially coaching and tournaments if the government requirements are not steep. We, however, intend to put COVID-19 safety procedures ahead of anything," Bagya said.

When asked how they going to deal with cost implications following the President's directives. s

"This is way out of reach for tennis considering our humble budget. We are thankful that the National Council of Sports (NCS) equipped us with the necessary personal protective equipment. So we request the Government if they can come out and help us with testing these players or quarantine teams in case of competition. As UTA, we shall not be able to meet some of these based on the funds we have," he added.

The junior coaching programs at clubs will be among the activities to be resumed by UTA.

However, before the lockdown on sports due to the coronavirus pandemic, Uganda was one of the countries that were supposed to take part in different international tennis competitions later this year.

The men's and women's teams were due to take part in Davis Cup and Fed Cup in Congo and Lithuania respectively.

With sports having returned, International Tennis Federation (ITF) is yet to come out with new dates for these competitions.

David Oringa, Simon Ayella, Borris Aguma, and Frank Tayebwa had qualified to represent Uganda in the Davis Cup, while Sandra Nhissa, Mariam Etiang, Judith Nalukwago, Jovia Nakayenga, Evelyn Ochom Evelyn Chimolo Melonie Nahirya, Maggie Namaganda, Winnie Birungi, and Patience Athieno had gone through trials where four players were supposed to be selected to take part in Fed Cup.