At just nine years old, Chriyansh Anand Dass made a remarkable impact at this year’s Extra Fiji Tennis Championship, not only being the youngest participant but also showcasing an impressive spirit on the court. The Class 4 student from Lautoka Arya Samaj Primary School took on the Under-12 category with a level of passion that exceeded his years, competing over five days at the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club.
Chriyansh started playing tennis at the tender age of five and expressed his enthusiasm for the sport, stating, “I like it because it’s fun, and I love to whack the ball really hard.” Despite being the shortest and least experienced player in his division, his confidence and determination shone through, making him a standout competitor. “To play tennis, you have to be confident and have fun playing all the games,” he remarked, demonstrating a maturity beyond his age.
The Extra Fiji Tennis Championship, known as the “Grand Slam of the Pacific,” featured an impressive lineup with 341 matches across 39 categories, showcasing the growing popularity of tennis in the region. Romil Patel, president of Tennis Fiji, celebrated this year’s tournament, noting the challenges they faced, including unpredictable weather, but highlighted the overall quality of matches and the players’ spirit.
This year marked a significant milestone as the tournament’s title sponsor, Extra Supermarket, increased their sponsorship from $30,000 to $50,000, enabling organizers to reward every winner with cash prizes for the first time. As Patel remarked, “That’s never happened before,” this new structure promises to motivate players to put forth their best efforts in future tournaments.
Winners also received handcrafted trophies and souvenirs that serve as lasting reminders of their achievements and the unique experience of participating in the Fiji Open. With confirmation of 20 players from New Caledonia for the 2026 tournament, the future of the Fiji Open is looking bright and promising.
As for young Chriyansh, he closed with aspirations of returning next year to compete in both singles and doubles, stating, “I feel good playing in the U12s. I’m excited for many years to come.” With such dedication and talent, Chriyansh symbolizes hope for the next generation of tennis stars in Fiji. His journey highlights the importance of grassroots support and the flourishing tennis culture in the country, making it a positive narrative of encouragement for young athletes.
Leave a comment