BENGALURU: The Times of India tennis editor Prajwal Hegde received the prestigious Ron Bookman Media Excellence Award from the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) at the ATP Awards 2021 announced on Monday evening.
The tennis journalist with over 25 years of experience is the first Indian and the second Asian journalist to receive this honor.
Prajwal, who joined TOI in 2005, is one of the rare Indian tennis writers on an international level. Over the years, it has covered all four Grand Slams, the Davis Cup and the ATP Finals, along with other international competitions.
Highlights of her career include an exclusive interview with Roger Federer on a London Twilight Boat Cruise during the 2011 ATP Finals and coverage of the Indians Mahesh Bhupathi, Leander Paes, Sania Mirza, Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna on the pitch.
Regarding the award, Prajwal, herself a former tennis player at national level, said: “As an Indian covering a global sport that runs on the wheels of individual excellence, where we (India) have fallen short in recent years, you are on the verge of things … This award is recognition that my work is also internationally relevant. ”
Commenting on the challenges of covering Indian tennis over the years, Prajwal said, “Indian tennis is difficult business when it draws your heart. You are constantly confronted with what was and what is … but it is gave me great moments. ” also: Davis Cups, Bhupathi-Paes, Rohan Bopanna, Somdev Devvarman and Sania Mirza, who accompanied them in different phases of their journey, at home and abroad, have anchored me. It gave me a sense of belonging. ”
The tennis journalist with over 25 years of experience is the first Indian and the second Asian journalist to receive this honor.
Prajwal, who joined TOI in 2005, is one of the rare Indian tennis writers on an international level. Over the years, it has covered all four Grand Slams, the Davis Cup and the ATP Finals, along with other international competitions.
Highlights of her career include an exclusive interview with Roger Federer on a London Twilight Boat Cruise during the 2011 ATP Finals and coverage of the Indians Mahesh Bhupathi, Leander Paes, Sania Mirza, Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna on the pitch.
Regarding the award, Prajwal, herself a former tennis player at national level, said: “As an Indian covering a global sport that runs on the wheels of individual excellence, where we (India) have fallen short in recent years, you are on the verge of things … This award is recognition that my work is also internationally relevant. ”
Commenting on the challenges of covering Indian tennis over the years, Prajwal said, “Indian tennis is difficult business when it draws your heart. You are constantly confronted with what was and what is … but it is gave me great moments. ” also: Davis Cups, Bhupathi-Paes, Rohan Bopanna, Somdev Devvarman and Sania Mirza, who accompanied them in different phases of their journey, at home and abroad, have anchored me. It gave me a sense of belonging. ”
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