Indian team gears up for the Billie Jean King Cup in front of the home crowd

Indian team for Billie Jean King Cup (Pic: ANI)

In preparation for the Billie Jean King Cup Group 1-Asia/Oceania round-robin, the Indian women's tennis team has begun a five-day training camp at the DLTA Stadium in New Delhi. The team's main goal is to qualify for the prestigious World Group for the third time.

According to an announcement, Ankita Raina, Sahaja Yarnalapalli, Vaishnavi Adkar, Shrivalli Bhamidipati, Rutuja Bhoosale, and Vaidehee Chaudhari make up the Indian squad. The five-day camp will take place from April 1 to April 5.

Speaking before the event, Sahaja Yamalapalli said that she was excited to be a part of the team and hoped to start off the tournament well.

"I'm really excited to be part of this. We have a strong team again this year, and I'm looking forward to getting started. Playing at home is always special - last year we were in Pune and Bangalore, and now Delhi is hosting the Billie Jean King Cup. The energy and support from the crowd will be crazy." Sahaja Yamalapalli said.

Meanwhile, Rutuja Bhonsale too was eager to play in front of the home crowd. She was also excited to work together with fellow professionals after playing individually throughout the year.

"Everyone's super excited - this is one of the few weeks in the year when all the girls come together, making it a special time for me too. The camp helps us to get used to the conditions for the girls to come together because we play individually throughout the year." Bhonsale said.

The Indian team will look to continue their good form at the Billie Jean King Cup

After winning 2-1 over Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and the Republic of Korea in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia & Oceania Group I Qualifiers last year, India will look to gain momentum competing. India will be striving for a top-two result to maintain its World Group aspirations, while New Zealand, Indonesia, and Mongolia are also competing this year.

As the squad prepares for the qualifications, performance and making a significant move to make it back to the World Group for the third time remain the team's top priorities. India will try to turn impressive previous results into a historic campaign with momentum and favourable home circumstances.

(With ANI Input)