Karandeep steps on brother's track

SOUTH CITY: Following the footsteps of his elder brother Fatehdeep, Karandeep Singh, 12, is also making a name for himself in the field of sports.
The budding sportsperson recently returned after winning under-14 singles title in a tournament organized by Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association held in the UT.
Karandeep said in the final match he defeated Sagar Bains in two sets (6-4 and 6-1)."I defeated my opponent in easy sets," Karandeep said, adding that he led in the match from the beginning.
Karandeep said since he had not sent his entry for the tournament before the due date, he had to play qualifying matches and won them all.
"Since childhood, the atmosphere of our house is sports-oriented as my father Ram Singh, a national-level weight lifter, always motivated us," Karandeep said.
The young tennis player said he started practicing lawn tennis three years ago under coach Vikramjeet Singh and Sadhna and now practices at ACE Tennis Academy, SCD Government College.
A student of Class VIII at BCM School, Shastri Nagar, Karandeep said he spends about seven hours a day practising tennis and two on swimming to maintain fitness. He said earlier this year he had won under-16 singles title of the All-India Tennis Association (AITA) tournament and in 2011 he had bagged the singles title at a national-level tournament held at Guwahati. "My brother Fatehdeep often gives me tips. His experience on court helps in better understanding of the sport. As for my future plans, I want to win a grand slam for India," Karandeep said.
While the proud father Ram Singh is delighted with the performance of his younger son at a national-level tournament and hopes that Karandeep would continue this form for a long time, coach Vikramjeet believes that Karandeep has great potential and if he maintained his performance levels, he would surely achieve his dreams.