10 Indian kids selected as KIA ball-boys for Australia Open

by Samiksha

New Delhi: Ten lucky kids, including one from Mumbai, have been selected to represent India as ball-kids for the Australian Open tennis tournament starting this month. KIA Motors, the world's eighth largest auto-maker announced this, while unveiling the excited kids at a press conference on Wednesday.

In the second year of the initiative in association with the year's first Grand Slam, an elaborate selection process was carried out across the country; this was followed up by a rigorous training schedule to prepare the kids to carry out their duties as ball-kids in front of a world-wide audience.

Aged between 12-15, the list includes Sharvin Kaustubh from Mumbai, Aditya BMV and Sanskruti Vadakattu from Hyderabad, Atharva Hitendra from Ahmedabad, Atrijo Sengupta from Kolkata, Rijul Bhatia, Sargam Singla and Yashvardhan Gaur from Punjab and Divyanshu Pandey and Harshit Pandita from Delhi 

After a successful first edition of the Ballkids Program in 2019, this year more than 250 young tennis enthusiasts from across India attended trials where they showcased their tennis expertise, agility and communication skills. The trials for the second season of the Australian Open Ballkids India Program took place in 10 cities to present this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tennis enthusiasts. The official squad of the Programme comes from different parts of India, which is a testament to the immense passion in youth all over the country. The final squad of 10 kids was selected by the Australian Open officials who put the kids through a series of gruelling tests like the Rolling Technique and Servicing Technique among others that tested their athleticism and their on-court communication skills.

"I wish all the best to the kids who have been selected as the official Ballkids for the Australian Open 2020. There is nothing greater than pursuing your passion and being able to live it. Kia Motors has always gone beyond its core business and connected with consumers by promoting and encouraging them to explore their passions. It’s great to see so many enthusiasts believing in their passion for the sport and we at Kia are privileged to have been able to provide them with this opportunity to live their dreams. We are overwhelmed with the response for the second edition of the Australian Open Ballkids India program and will continue to support sports and the undying spirit of sportsmanship in India through such initiatives”, said Mr. Manohar Bhat, Vice President and Head – Sales and Marketing, Kia Motors India.

Kia has been a global custodian of sports partnering various global sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup and Australian Open. Through the partnership with AO for the Australian Open Ballkids International Program, FIFA for OMBC (Official Match Ball Carrier) program and Bengaluru Football Club for Indian Super League, Kia has encouraged millions of sports enthusiasts in India and created a unique fan base.

Full list of Winners of Australian Open Ballkids India Programme:

Sr. No.	Name of Kid	Age	City
1	Aditya BMV	14	Hyderabad
2	Atharva Hitendra	14	Ahmedabad
3	Atrijo Sengupta	15	Kolkata
4	Divyanshu Pandey	15	Gurugram
5	Harshit Pandita	14	Gurugram
6	Rijul Bhatia	13	Panchkula
7	Sanskruti Vadakattu	14	Hyderabad
8	Sargam Singla	15	Chandigarh
9	Sharvin Kaustubh	14	Mumbai
10	Yashvardhan Gaur	15	Chandigarh

About Kia Motors India (KMI): In April 2017, Kia Motors signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State Government of Andhra Pradesh, India, to build a new manufacturing facility in Anantapur District. Construction of Kia Motors’ first manufacturing facility in India has been completed and commenced the mass production in August 2019. The manufacturing facility has an annual production capacity of approximately 300,000 units. Kia Motors has made a mark in India with its first product – the Seltos establishing itself as a trusted brand with record bookings of 6,046 on the first day of bookings. Kia Motors India has the widespread network of 265 customer touchpoints, in 160 cities across Tier 1, 2 and 3 cities in India.

 About Kia Motors Corporation: Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) a maker of world-class quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. About 3 million Kia vehicles a year are produced at 14 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 180 countries. Kia today has over 51,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of over US$47 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open, official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™ – and official partner of the UEFA Europa League – the world’s largest professional club football competition. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan – "The Power to Surprise" – represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.