Nitten Kirrtane, a seasoned Indian tennis player, continued to shine at the ITF Masters World Championship in Mexico City, adding a mixed doubles silver medal and a men’s doubles bronze medal to his collection.
After helping the over-50 Indian team secure their first-ever silver medal in the World Championship, Kirrtane faced off against the formidable Bart Beks of the Netherlands in the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events.
In the singles quarterfinals, Kirrtane fought valiantly but ultimately fell to Beks in a close match, losing 5-7, 6-7(5). He then teamed up with Isabelle Gemmel of Australia in the mixed doubles, reaching the final before being defeated by Beks and Barbara Mulej.
In the men’s doubles, Kirrtane and Jagdish Tanwar made it to the semifinals, where they narrowly lost to Beks and Sebastian Jackson in a super tie-break, 10-6.
Despite the physical toll of the team competition, Kirrtane remained determined in the individual events. “I played hard despite being exhausted,” he said. “I ran into Bart in all three events, and he is a tough competitor. We played very close matches.”
Kirrtane expressed gratitude to his teammates, family, and sponsors for their support. He also urged the All India Tennis Association (AITA) and the Sports Ministry to recognize the team’s historic achievement.
“We will be motivated to come back stronger next year if AITA and the Sports Ministry recognize our run for the nation,” he said.
