ASICS Partners with Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy to Strengthen Grassroots Tennis Development in India
Global sportswear brand ASICS has announced a strategic partnership with the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy (RBTA), marking a significant step towards strengthening India's tennis ecosystem and creating new opportunities for aspiring players across the country.
The collaboration combines ASICS' expertise in sports performance and innovation with RBTA's player development programmes, with the shared objective of nurturing talent from the grassroots level while providing a structured pathway to elite competition.
The initiative is built around ASICS' long-standing philosophy of "Sound Mind, Sound Body," emphasising not only athletic excellence but also the overall wellbeing and holistic development of athletes.
As part of the partnership, ASICS will work closely with RBTA to provide young players with access to high-quality performance products, educational initiatives, masterclasses, tennis clinics, tournaments, and opportunities to interact with elite athletes associated with the brand. The collaboration also extends to RBTA's High-Performance and Junior Pro programmes, where promising players will receive enhanced support aimed at preparing them for professional tennis.
Rather than limiting the relationship to apparel sponsorship, both organisations are looking to create an ecosystem that integrates coaching, sports science, technology, recovery, and mentorship into a comprehensive athlete development model.
Commenting on the partnership, ASICS India & South Asia Managing Director Rajat Khurana highlighted the increasing popularity of tennis in the country. According to Khurana, tennis has become one of the fastest-growing categories within ASICS' core performance business in India, reflecting rising participation levels and growing aspirations among young athletes. He noted that the collaboration with RBTA transforms an existing association into a larger mission of supporting talent development at the grassroots level.
He added that through world-class equipment, education, mentorship, and competitive opportunities, the partnership aims to help young players maximise their potential while contributing to the long-term growth of Indian tennis.
Founder and mentor Rohan Bopanna described the partnership as a natural progression of his long-standing relationship with ASICS. Drawing from his own experience on the international circuit, Bopanna stressed that sustained success depends on a combination of physical preparation, mental strength, discipline, and access to the right support systems.
He explained that RBTA's objective has always been to create an environment where athletes develop not only technical skills but also professionalism, resilience, and habits necessary to compete at the highest level. The addition of ASICS' global expertise and innovation, he believes, will further strengthen the academy's ability to prepare future generations of Indian tennis players.
Over the last decade, the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy has established itself as one of India's prominent player development centres. Operating from the Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, the academy combines technical coaching with sports science, fitness training, recovery programmes, and competition support. Its development model caters to players across different stages, from grassroots participants and underprivileged talent to elite performers pursuing professional careers.
The partnership with ASICS is expected to further enhance this ecosystem by integrating advanced performance gear and athlete education into existing training programmes, ensuring players receive comprehensive support both on and off the court.
The announcement also reflects ASICS' broader investment strategy in Indian sport. Beyond tennis, the company has steadily expanded its presence across disciplines including running, cricket, and racquet sports, reinforcing its athlete-first philosophy.
Founded in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka, the Japanese brand derives its name from the Latin phrase Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body." Today, ASICS operates 142 stores across India and continues to position itself as a leading provider of performance footwear, apparel, and sporting accessories.
For Indian tennis, the partnership represents more than a commercial agreement. By combining international expertise with one of the country's leading development academies, ASICS and RBTA aim to create stronger pathways for emerging talent and help shape the next generation of players capable of competing on the global stage.
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