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RBT Development Foundation
Founded in 2017, the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Development Foundation is dedicated to providing education and tennis coaching to underprivileged children. The foundation offers coaching clinics, equipment, and tournament support—completely free of cost—placing a strong emphasis on the development of youngsters in the sport.
Bhoomi Program
Objective
The Bhoomi Program is India’s first structured tennis development initiative aimed at identifying, nurturing, and propelling the next generation of Indian tennis players. It focuses on children from economically weaker backgrounds, small towns, and rural areas, with the broader goal of increasing India’s representation and success in international tennis.
Under this program, selected children receive boarding, lodging, formal education (up to 12th standard), and a comprehensive tennis coaching program guided by expert coaches. The initiative promotes self-reliance, empowerment, and financial stability.
The RBTA Core Team, led by Rohan Bopanna and a panel of experts (including tennis coaches, strength and conditioning specialists, and support staff), conducts nationwide selection trials exclusively for underprivileged children aged 8-10 years (boys and girls). The selection is based on athletic ability and basic tennis skills.
Selected children are enrolled in the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy (RBTA), where they receive:
- Formal Education, Boarding & Lodging
- Comprehensive Tennis Coaching
- Sports Science Support, including expert guidance from: Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Biomechanics Experts, Sports Psychologists, Yoga Instructors
The RBTA Coaching Methodology ensures:
- Expert coaches specializing in grassroots and intermediate tennis programs
- Strength & conditioning professionals focused on fitness, recovery, and injury prevention
- Tailored nutrition plans
- Sponsorship support for equipment and apparel (or self-funded if necessary)
- Bi-Annual Reviews: Every child undergoes performance evaluations to determine scholarship retention and progression.
- Advanced Training: Children who excel move to the RBTA High-Performance Program at TSS under continued scholarship.
- Continuous Improvement: Regular reviews ensure program effectiveness and the adoption of best practices.
Bhoomi Program Achievements
FY 2024-25
- Talent scouting was conducted in Northeast India, where 300+ underprivileged children—many unfamiliar with tennis—participated in selection trials.
- 25 outstanding young athletes were chosen and enrolled in RBTA with full support.
FY 2025-26
- Talent scouting expanded to Jammu & Kashmir, with 100+ children participating.
- 10 promising players were selected and fully integrated into RBTA.
Goal
To support a minimum of 100 underprivileged children in the coming years.Financial Commitment
- Annual cost per child: ₹10 lakhs (including boarding, lodging, education, coaching, sports science support, equipment, and travel).
- Current program (35 children): ₹3.5 crores per year.
- Long-term vision: Sustaining support until 12th standard graduation (approx. 10 years per child), with costs increasing as more children are included.
Talent Support Program
Objective
With a high-performance center in Bengaluru, RBTA aims to financially support national-level tennis players with a proven track record. Given that tennis is one of the most expensive sports, financial backing is crucial for players striving for international success.
Estimated Annual Cost for a Professional Tennis Player:
- Coaching : ₹25 lakhs
- Travel : ₹10 lakhs
- Equipment : ₹5 lakhs
- Additional Expenses : ₹5 lakhs
- Total : ₹50 lakhs per year
In FY 2021-22, the Rohan Bopanna Foundation contributed ₹1.3 crores toward coaching and education for talented players.