Former international chess player Prachura P.P. met the Indian women’s tennis team at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium ahead of the Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs 2025, scheduled from November 14 to 16. The meeting came as the Indian squad entered its final phase of preparation for the crucial qualification matches.
During the visit, Prachura, who owns the Global Chess League franchise American Gambits, exchanged a team jersey with India’s captain Vishal Uppal, symbolizing sporting unity and mutual respect. He also interacted with players Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Ankita Raina, Riya Bhatia, and Prarthana Thombare, extending his best wishes to the squad.
This will be the first time India hosts the Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs. The Indian team will face the Netherlands and Slovenia in Group G, competing in a round-robin format. Group winners will qualify for the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers, while others will move to the Regional Group I stage.
In April 2025, India performed impressively in Pune, defeating South Korea 2-1 and finishing second in the Asia-Oceania Group I. That result secured their spot in this year’s Play-offs, marking another step in India’s growing tennis journey.
