Dhyan Chand awardee, Nitten Kirrtane: High On Humility

What does it take to consistently perform on the national and international tennis courts even at the age of 45? Passion, dedication, determination, stamina and the strength to make youngsters in the game run for their money and title. Meet Nitten Kirrtane, renowned tennis player and presently India’s No.1 in the Senior Tennis circuit, who recently won the prestigious Dhyan Chand Award for his scintillating four-decade career which began at Wimbledon in the early 1990s. In the Indian tennis circuit, he is only next to Leander Paes in continuing to play actively in his mid-forties

He has been the unsung hero of Indian Tennis. For sheer courage and perseverance, few can match Nitten Kirrtane, the recipient of this year’s Dhyan Chand Award. The 45-year-old gutsy left-hander, who continues to play the game despite coaching stints, has extended the winning streak to the international Seniors’ Circuit

In June of 1992, when the now legendary Bollywood icon, Amitabh Bachchan, along with iconic tennis player and international tennis commentator, Vijay Amritraj, watched teenagers Nitten Kirrtane and Mahesh Bhupathi play the finals of the Wimbledon Junior Tournament, it was for the sheer admiration of having young bubbling Indians reach the finals in this Mecca of Tennis. Well-known tennis coach, Sunny Jacob, who also witnessed the match with his heartin- the-mouth, recalls, “It was the greatest magic for the two boys to come all the way to Wimbledon and reach the finals. They would have certainly won, but for the disruption due to the rains in the middle of the game, which probably disheartened them.”

Ever since the Wimbledon goalpost, Nitten was ranked one of the top juniors in the world and continued to make his mark in the men’s circuit. Presently, he is ranked No. 1 in India and No.1 in the world in the Senior International Tennis Federation (ITF) Tour Rankings. His prominent milestones are: Davis Cup team member, five times for India; part of the team along with Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and cousin Sandeep Kirtane, that won the Asia Cup in 1997; part of the team that won the Asian Games bronze in Bangkok in 1998; clinching the SAF Games gold and silver medals; being one of the coaches for the 2010 Commonwealth Games; winning the historic Silver Medal in the Mixed Doubles event with Vlada Kirilovska of Latvia, in the ITF Young Seniors World Championship held in Miami in Nov 2018; clinching the ITF Senior Winner at Halton, England, on June 2018; and clinching the singles and doubles crown in the ITF Seniors tennis circuit in Rizhao City, Shandong Province, China on July 2019.

Last month, the government conferred on Nitten the prestigious Dhyan Chand Award, which is presented to sportspersons for their lifetime achievements and contribution to the sport, both in their active career and following retirement. Kamesh Srinivsan, a senior sports reporter in The Hindu, writes, after Nitten won the Dhyan Chand award, “He has been an unsung hero of Indian Tennis. For sheer courage and perseverance, few can match Nitten Kirrtane, the recipient of the Dhyan Chand Award. The 45-year-old gutsy left-hander, who continues to play the game despite coaching stints, has extended the winning streak to the international Seniors’ Circuit.”

Tennis has changed over the years from the Sampras/Agassi era to Federer/Nadal/ Novak/Murray era, due to more powerful racquets. Also more importantly because of the new ultra-modern fitness and bio mechanics, players are stronger and fitter with players hitting 200 km per hour serves regularly

Nitten Kirrtane and wife,
Rheeya, against the backdrop
of Rashtrapati Bhavan

With India’s top tennis player,
Leander Paes

Observes a sports journalist, Joe Williams, “Nitten plays the way tennis was designed to be played; which is supposed to be about finesse, not just power. The four-time National champion, Nitten, is a baseline player, adroitly playing his baseline shots and aces. Cool and calm, uninterrupted with what is going on the stands; his passion for the game has made him one of the best players of the country. Hitting the ball where the opponent doesn’t has been his mantra and that has worked. Many would term it as an unorthodox manner of playing, but that is what the game demands.’’

Nitten, the unassuming, humble and shy person, who seems unaffected by his meritorious tennis career that has continued to stay at a high for four decades now, wrote a note of gratitude on his Facebook, delighted at being conferred the Dhyan Chand Award. He posted: “Honored and humbled on receiving the Dhyan Chand Award 2019 at the hands of the Honourable President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Overwhelmed by all the support of my organisation, friends, well-wishers and family!! Humbled to meet our Hon Sports Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju Sir and Hon Minister of Railways Shri Piyush Goyal Sir. Special mention to Railway Board, RSPB and to CMD Ashwani Lohani Sir of Air India for all the encouragement and support!! My heartfelt thanks to my dear friend Rishabh Kapur for actually being there with me in my moment of glory!! I dedicate this award to my late grandmother Dr Leela Kirtane who has contributed greatly to the person I am today and who would have been happy to see me receive this award.”

For Nitten, his priority has always been ‘Family First’. Not surprisingly, Nitten ensured that his entire family accompanied him to the Awards Function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Said he to Kamesh in The Hindu interview: “I was very happy that my family, including my kids, Arjun and Aaryan, wife Rheeya were with me, along with my mother and motherin- law, when I received the award from the President. When the President walked in and the live band played the National Anthem, I had Goosebumps. My mind went blank when my name was called, but I stood composed when I received the award,” recalled Nitten, about receiving the lifetime achievement award.

Tennis, being a costly sport, one cannot survive without corporate sponsors and because I did not get any sponsorship which would have helped me train abroad, it was a major setback. My cousin Sandeep and I were the second best team after Leander-Mahesh but we could not play more events abroad due to lack of funds. If supported we could have done very well in the international circuit

Nitten Kirrtane wins the singles &
doubles of the Senior Circuit ITF
title in Rizhao China in July 2019

With V K Yadav, Chairman, Railway
Board, after receiving the award

Nitten hates to be introduced as a famous tennis player and reprimands you for doing so. Let it be, he says; everyone doesn’t have to know. A selfless person by nature, you will see him ‘giving’ to his family, to the society, in fact, to anyone in need. Recently, when a close friend of his wife’s mother was admitted to a local hospital, it was Nitten who would deliver breakfast every day. It surely surprised some of the hospital staff who recognised him. So, predictably, when he was asked by news reporters of his future plans after receiving the Dhyan Chand Award, he stated, “I’ll be happy to be part of AITA’s (All India Tennis Association) and MSLTA’s (Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association) plans in whatever they are doing and would love to produce new champions (in the future).’’

One of the remarkable qualities of Nitten is that he never gives up, and he never finds any hurdle too hard to overcome. A classic example is that of a grievous injury he incurred during a road accident more than a decade back. Despite a rod still inserted in his right hand, he bounced back admirably; thanking God that his left hand was left in perfect condition (he is a left-handed tennis player). Come what may-be it the rains or feeling under the weather, Nitten is up and about at 5:30 a.m. to go to the gym for physical training and is self-motivated to actively play in the national and international tennis circuit even at the age of 45. States he, “Staying fit is the key. When one turns to coaching, the attention turns towards the ward, one can lose physical fitness. Coaching can wait. I’m fighting fit and train just like the youngsters do.”

In one of the interviews, where he was reminded of his age, and that several of his peers have retired, he quipped, “Age is just a number for me. My motivating factor is my love and passion for the game which I have been playing for the past four decades. I still follow a very tough routine on my body which means I still think and work like a professional. My daily fitness starts at 6 a.m. under the watchful guidance of Mihir Teranikar at TF Fitness Centre. The biggest advantage of this is that I train with youngsters, so I have to match them and that pushes me to the limit while training. There are many days when I am very tired but I keep pushing myself as I still play to win. I do not want to compete on the tour just to make up the numbers.”

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal
felicitates Nitten

What does success mean to him? He states, “For me, success on the court means putting my best effort, irrespective of victory or defeat.” That he lives by this sporting spirit is witnessed time and again, on the tennis courts. For example, when he won the historic Silver Medal in the Mixed Doubles event with Vlada Kirilovska of Latvia, in the ITF Young Seniors World Championship held in Miami, USA in Nov. 2018, players from several countries did not think much of the Indian team. However, after a couple of singles and doubles involving Nitten, cynicism turned into awe, as they realised they could not take India for granted. Such is the fire with which Nitten plays and inspires his colleagues in the team.

Nitten, though, rues the lack of corporate sponsorship during his heydays because of which he missed making a better mark in the international tennis circuit. Says he, “Tennis, being a costly sport, one cannot survive without corporate sponsors and because I did not get any sponsorship which would have helped me train abroad, it was a major setback. My cousin, Sandeep and I were the second-best team after Leander-Mahesh but we could not play more events abroad due to lack of funds. If supported we could have done very well in the international circuit.”

Recently, in an interview in Chennai, on being asked what India needs to do in order to get a singles Grand Slam champion, Kirrtane said that the support system needs to be good and unless corporates get properly involved, India will never get a player of Nadal or Federer’s class. “A good system is essential to produce a champion which eventually helps the quality of tennis in the country. For example, the Serbian system, where the required support was given to Novak Djokovic during his early years helped him become a world-class player who equaled his idol Pete Sampras’ tally of 14 Grand Slams titles. Djokovic’s success, in turn, has helped Serbia in getting more quality players through its support system.’’

Nitten with his mother,
Mohini Kirrtane

October 2018: Winning the mixed
doubles at the ITF Young Senior
World Championship in Miami 2018

Speaking about the changing face of tennis, Nitten says, “Tennis has changed over the years from the Sampras/Agassi era to Federer/Nadal/ Novak/Murray era, due to more powerful racquets. Also, more importantly, because of new ultra-modern fitness and biomechanics, players are stronger and fitter with the ability to hit 200 km per hour serve. A player has to have a big weapon to survive on the tour now and most players are over six feet tall. There is hardly any difference between the players except the ones who play the big points well.”

Nitten has a perfect match in Rheeya, his wife, to whom he would always like to lose 0-6, in the game of life; always giving her credit for his success. Her adulation for him, for his humility and dogged determination to keep playing manifests in the deep interest she takes in his professional tennis career.

Rheeya proudly states, “Nitten is a man of few words; his actions speak louder than his words. He is completely focused, can adapt and adjust to any condition easily. I’ve never seen him being fussy, be it accommodation, new country, food or climatic condition and so on. I’m in awe of his backhand slice which he hits so often and so effortlessly, often resulting in a winner! He works extremely hard, is true to his game, follows a strict routine and never binges on the wrong food. He is very particular about his diet and his portions; he rarely gives into temptation. He is a very disciplined, straightforward and a positive person and a great influence in my life. Thus, all three of us like to follow Nitten as he is a man who leads by example! I am happy that our sons want to be like their dad someday; both Arjun and Aaryan work very hard too and enjoy their tennis and fitness routine daily, despite all the academic pressure that they have to cope with.’’

Nitten is always around for his two sons, Arjun and Aaryan, aged 11 and 8 respectively. Both of them are budding tennis players, having clinched a few titles in their age category. Nitten motivates them by practicing with them, particularly before their tournaments. Closely observing their strengths and weaknesses, he gives them crucial advice. Indeed, he is a family man!

The Making of a Tennis Champ

Mohini Kirtane, educationist and mother of Nitten, who has travelled through his roller-coaster ride of ecstatic wins and agonising defeats since his childhood and escorted him to towns and cities for playing tournaments, writes what it takes to be a mother of a tennis champion!

The many trophies reflect Nitten Kirrtane’s
consistent performance

All good things must come to an end and so too the event with the President conferring the Dhyan Chand Award on Nitten on 29th August 2019. A moment we all lived for; a memorable event to be cherished forever.

I cannot really describe the gamut of emotions that coursed through me when Nitten stood there in front of the President. Two things stand out. The first is pride that Nitten got his award and the second is a reflection of the past journey as he was growing up. I see a small boy of ten receiving his first Limca Trophy Cup, and now I see a man receiving the Dhyan Chand trophy.

Seeing his rise and fall in the pursuit of excellence in the game of tennis is an emotional seesaw for me. The journey of a sportsman from a nobody to a champion is a difficult road. People see the trophies but rarely do people realise the hard work and tears that have gone to achieve his trophy. Having witnessed the tears of frustration and the tears of joy, I know the struggle. You begin your match with hope in your heart and fire in your eyes. At the end of the match, you may not be the winner. Hope flickers but never dies, for within a few days you are back in the court, strong and unstoppable.

There are so many of us mothers, who sit in the stands of the stadium to cheer you on and endure the tension, frustration, disappointment. We want to relieve you of your pain but cannot as the journey to the top is lonely. You can do it only by yourself. We have the confidence in you absolutely and your talent, and we know that you will do it. All we can do is pray and hope for the fulfillment of your dreams. I remember people telling me of my mother knitting furiously at the tennis court in the tense moment before Nitten wins a match, while I would be pacing up and down, outside MSLTA in Mumbai, DLTA in Delhi or Pune’s Deccan Gymkhana, as I never would watch due to sheer nervousness. My nails would be totally bitten down to the core, a habit I have got out of, only now. I remember the shuttling from Matunga Tennis courts to MSLTA, leaving one son to play a match while I took the other for his match at the other end of Mumbai. I remember the help given by all my relatives and some friends as I stayed with them during the matches. I remember telling them to make extra rotis as the playing boys would forever be hungry. I remember the friendly camaraderie of friends off the court where we would be welcomed for meals at their houses when we were out of Pune.

Hats off and salute to you, Nitten, for your perseverance and dedication, passion, loyalty to the game and the die-hard attitude of NEVER GIVE UP.

You have done this all on your own; now also supported by Rheeya. Let’s hope Arjun and Aaryan too keep up this tradition to win.

Nitten, you have done us proud. I know that you are not one to sit on your laurels. You have probably already set your new goals for which I wish you all the best and remember that our blessings are always there with you.

One of the remarkable qualities of Nitten is that he never gives up and he never finds any hurdle too hard to overcome. A classic example is that of a grievous injury he incurred during a road accident more than a decade back. Despite a rod still inserted in his right hand, he bounced back admirably, thanking God that his left hand was left in perfect condition

nitten’s accOlades

Highlights of international Medals Won

GOLD MEDALS

• Asia Cup 1997
• USIC World Railway Games Germany 2015
• USIC World Railway Games Bulgaria 2019

SILVER MEDALS

• ITF Young Senior World Championship at Miami 2018
• USIC World Railway Games at Slovakia in 2011
• SAF Games Chennai 1995
• SAF Games Dhaka 1993

BRONZE MEDALS

• Asian Games 1998,
• USIC World Railway Games 1998 Holland

Highlights of national Medals Won

GOLD MEDALS

• National Games at Bengaluru 1997 Team Event
• National Games Punjab 2001 Team Event
• National Games Punjab 2001 Men’s Doubles Event
• National Games Hyderabad 2002 Men’s Singles
• National Games Hyderabad 2002 Men’s Doubles
• National Inter State Championship Goregaon 2006 Team Event
• National Games Ranchi 2011 Team Event

SILVER MEDALS

• National Games at Bengaluru 1997 Men’s Doubles
• National Inter State Tennis Championship Bhilai 2016 Team Event
• National Inter State Tennis Championship Bhilai 2018 Team Event.

BRONZE MEDALS

• National Games at Punjab 2001 Men’s Singles
• National Games Guwahati 2007 Team Event
• National Games Guwahati 2007 Men’s Doubles
• National Games Ranchi 2011 Men’s Doubles
• National Games Kerala 2015 Team Event
• National Games Kerala 2015 Men’s Doubles Event.

What does success mean to him? He states, “For me, success on the court means putting my best effort, irrespective of victory or defeat.” That he lives by this sporting spirit is witnessed time and again, on the tennis courts. There are many days when I am very tired but I keep pushing myself as I still play to win. I do not want to compete on the tour just to make up the numbers.

SportsMan & A GentleMan

Mahesh Bhupathi, India’s ace tennis player and Nitten’s doubles partner at the Junior Wimbledon 1991

Nitten is a very talented player and works very hard even today, at the age of 45 years, when most of his peers have retired. He is a good friend of mine ever since the days when we played doubles together at the Junior Wimbledon finals. He is very down-to earth and humble despite coming from a sports-oriented family.

Ramesh Krishnan, Junior Singles Wimbledon and French Open winner and ace tennis player

I have seen Nitten and his cousin, Sandeep grow up as tennis players since childhood. Nitten tries very hard and does the right thing. Recently, he played in the Senior Circuit in Chennai, which shows that he is still active in competitive tennis; thus passing on his enthusiasm and discipline to the next generation of players. We are good friends. He is very friendly and cheerful. I wish him the best.

Jaidip Mukerjea, ace tennis player and former captain of Indian Davis Cup team

Nitten has always been a super kid as he gives 100% to his game and the Dhyan Chand Award bestowed on him is well-deserving. I have known him since his junior tennis days but got to know him better when he was in the Davis Cup squad to the USA and Czech Republic of which I was the team captain. I definitely feel he would have played better if he had got international exposure, which was almost absent in those days and even now, I should say.

Nandan Bal, Nitten’s coach and Davis Cup player

As a player, Nitten is one of the most disciplined players I’ve ever come across. If there is one saying that appropriately applies to him, it is that, “Dedication takes you where motivation doesn’t.’’ What else can you say to a guy who has won the Nationals, was a part of the Davis Cup team and yet has the fire in him to keep playing and keep winning? He has an incredibly strong mind; despite his injuries due to an accident, he bounced back and that’s not easy.

Ajit Bhandarkar, Nitten’s First Coach

Ever since his childhood, Nitten has been very hard-working, focused and sincere. He has a great backhand half volley but he never used it; don’t know why. It was his very special shot. He truly blossomed into a successful player after his under-14 boys’ win in the Nationals.

Sunny Jacob, well-known tennis coach

Nitten was one of the brightest students in the tennis circuit, always simple, humble and fair to the game. He won the under-, 12, 14, 16, 18 and Men’s Karia Trophy titles; also the Limca Masters Titles-he used to be on a winning spree. Blessed with good mannerisms, he has the great advantage of being a lefty. It is his consistency, humility, dedication and fairness to the game that made him consistently win awards and titles. He deserves the best for his sporting spirit and the great effort he has consistently put in to keep on improving his game. I’m happy that his talent reflects on his sons’ performances as well.

Sachin Rathi, Tennis Secretary, Poona Club

Nitten is one of the most down-to-earth and humble person I’ve ever met. He has no pride and zero-arrogance about himself and is completely dedicated and focused into the sport. He is one of the best athletes, going by the agility on the tennis court. He is a high profile celebrity tennis player but lives a life of simplicity.

Ankita Rana, India’s top seed women’s tennis player

I’ve known Nitten Sir since I was playing Under-12 tennis matches. I saw him for the first time at the DSCL Nationals (can’t remember what year it was). My mom got me to the air conditioned physio room as it was way too hot out outside. Nitten Sir was there and I think he’d got blisters from playing too many matches on the same day but what I clearly remember is he was still so motivated and enthusiastic; not complaining about the Delhi weather conditions; he was all ready to go on court again. And what’s surprising is that even today I see him with the same enthusiasm, when he steps on a tennis court and wants to work hard and get better/improve. He’s a great example of the popular saying that age is just a number. Nitten Sir has always been very helpful, encouraging, very easy going and ready to help everyone. I’m really glad his efforts have been rewarded!

Milind Wagle, tennis expert and commentator

I’ve known Nitten since he was 13-14 years old. He showed a lot of promise then and he was very tenacious even at that very young age. It was his tenacity that would see him wear India colors and of course that itself makes him great. He has shown the world that everything is possible if you have the fire in you. I still remember that I was the commentator for the National Games in Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in Hyderabad, where he was playing the finals. After he won it, he did not just remove his shirt like Sourav Ganguly did but ripped it apart. That shows his fierceness towards the game. He is like a soldier in the tennis circuit, ready to face any odds. He is the kind who loves to show his joy when he wins; that’s having passion for the game-to flaunt it. Why not? He is very level headed and respectful of people around him. He always has his head on his shoulders and his two feet on the ground. He comes from a wonderful family and the values and culture instilled in him by his mother, Mohini, shows in his humble attitude and calm disposition. Getting the Dhyan Chand award in Rashtrapati Bhavan was the culmination of his career but he is still going to play and mentor the future generation.

Sunder Iyer, Secretary General of the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA)

I’ve known him and have been observing him since he was nine years old and he was a great fighter even then. He did everything possible to improve flaws in his game and emerged as a formidable player. As he grew older, he became passionate about fitness and that, along with his love for the game, has held him in good stead. I should say he was destined to love the game so much, which has taken him where he is today. Having played consistently for four decades, he continues to defeat youngsters in the game. He has always been well-behaved on the court and a thorough gentleman, off the court. You will never hear him, talking ill about others.

Sandeep Kirtane, Nitten’s doubles partner, Arjuna Award winner and Davis Cup player

As a professional, Nitten is very disciplined and determined. He has a great work ethics and is a very difficult player to play as his biggest strength has always been to fight till the end.

I have many great memories with him as my Teammate and Doubles Partner. I’m very happy to see him get this honor.

Hemant Bendre, well-acclaimed tennis coach

I have known Nitten from his childhood. His record speaks about his tennis but as a human being, you will not see a person so down-to-earth and helpful, Even today, his determination and grit is commendable. Nitten works very hard on his fitness and this is the reason why he is consistently performing in Men’s tournaments at the national level. He has helped me with my players and is always willing to help juniors. If anyone deserves the Dhyan Chand Award by the Government of India for Lifetime Achievement in Tennis, it has to be Nitten!

prem lochab, Director (E) Sports, Railway Board & Secretary, Railway Sports Promotion Board

Nitten is an excellent human being and very skillful on the tennis court. I’ve been with him in Bulgaria for seven days for the World Railway Tennis tournament and found him active and fighting fit even though he is in his 40s. He met my kids and I found him to be very inspiring to the next generation which is a very good quality for a coach.

Hrinmoy Chatterjee, Honorary Secretary General, All India Tennis Association

Nitten has been an amazing player and the longest, as he is still playing in the Men’s domestic circuit and also winning at this age. He and Sandeep have been playing for 20 years in the Men’s circuit and Nitten still continues to do so. Both have been excellently behaved children. I have seen them since their junior championship days. They used to accompany me, as I used to organise tournaments all over the country. As a human being, Nitten is a wonderful person.

Milind Deouskar, Divisional Railway Manager, Pune

Nitten has brought laurels to Pune Division and Indian Railways by his outstanding performance in winning various competitions. Winning the Dhyan Chand award is much deserved. Nitten is a wonderful human being. With a positive approach and fitness, he has proved that age is just a number. He is a great inspiration to aspiring young players.