Karnataka Trio Kriish Tyagi, Srishti Kiran and Kshitij Aradhya Earn National Support Through TOPS and TAGG

Three promising young tennis players from Karnataka, Kriish Tyagi, Srishti Kiran, and Kshitij Aradhya, have received a significant boost in their developing careers after being selected under India’s national athlete-support programs, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Target Asian Games Group (TAGG).

Kriish has been included under TOPS, while Srishti and Kshitij have been selected under TAGG. Their inclusion puts them among a group of 10 young Indian tennis players identified by the All India Tennis Association (AITA) for support, with backing from the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

The selections represent an important step for the three Karnataka youngsters as they look to transition from promising domestic and junior careers towards the international senior circuit.

For young athletes, access to structured support can play a crucial role in determining how quickly they can make that transition. International competition requires not only consistent training but also exposure to higher-level tournaments, travel, coaching, fitness support and other resources. The inclusion of Tyagi, Kiran and Aradhya in the national programmes is therefore an opportunity to strengthen their development at a crucial stage of their careers.

Kriish’s selection under TOPS marks him out for a particularly significant pathway. Alongside him, Manas Dhamne, Vaishnavi Adkar and Rethin Pranav have also been included in TOPS. Meanwhile, Jensi Dipakbhai Kanabar, Tavish Pahwa, Arjun Rathi, and Arnav Paparkar have been selected under TAGG.

The wider group reflects AITA’s attempt to identify players early and provide them with a more structured route towards international success.

Speaking about the selections, AITA honorary joint secretary Sunil Yajaman underlined the importance of developing young players before they reach the senior international circuit.

“It is extremely encouraging to see young Indian tennis players being identified and supported at this stage of their careers. The objective has to be to create a clear pathway from junior tennis to the international senior circuit,” Yajaman said.

That pathway is particularly important in tennis, where players often have to navigate the transition from junior events to the demanding professional circuit largely through individual competition. Consistent exposure to international opponents and access to appropriate resources can make a major difference in helping emerging players handle that transition.

For Tyagi, Kiran and Aradhya, the recognition also serves as an indication that their performances and potential have caught the attention of the national tennis system.

“Kriish, Srishti and Kshitij have shown the potential to progress, and their selection under TOPS Development and TAGG is an important step in that journey. We hope this support will give these youngsters the opportunity, exposure, and resources required to compete at the highest level,” Yajaman added.

The development comes at a time when Indian tennis is placing greater emphasis on creating a more systematic pathway for its next generation of players. AITA has recently launched ACE 2032, a national high-performance pathway designed to strengthen player and coach development and create a more structured route towards international success.

The initiative, along with programs such as TOPS and TAGG, reflects a broader effort to address the gap between junior promise and senior-level achievement.

For Karnataka, the selection of three players is also a positive sign for the state’s tennis ecosystem. Tyagi’s inclusion in TOPS and Kiran and Aradhya’s selection under TAGG gives the trio access to a national framework at a stage when continued development and international exposure can shape their future careers.

The immediate objective will be to convert the support into progress on court. For young tennis players, selection to a programme is only the beginning. The challenge is to use the opportunities provided, compete consistently, gain experience against stronger international opposition, and gradually establish themselves at the senior level.

With the backing of AITA and SAI, the Karnataka trio now have an opportunity to take the next step in that process. Their selections also underline the importance of identifying talent early and investing in players before they reach the peak of their careers.

As Indian tennis looks towards the next generation, Kriish Tyagi, Srishti Kiran and Kshitij Aradhya will hope that this latest recognition becomes an important foundation for bigger achievements on the international stage.