Western Air Command, IAF wins the Air Force Lawn Tennis Championship 2022-23 held at HQ MC, Vayusena Nagar, Nagpur. The final match of team Championship was played between Western Air Command and Training Command in which Western Air Command emerged as the winner. The final of the open singles was played between Corporal Pradeep of Training Command and Sergeant Manolin of Western Air Command and Corporal Pradeep emerged as the winner.
The Championship was inaugurated by Air Marshal Vibhas Pande, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, HQ MC on 17 Oct 22. A total of eight teams comprising of 48 players from the seven Commands of Indian Air Force, participated in the Championship. The Championship was held in two events namely, Team Championship and Open Singles.
During the closing ceremony of the Championship on 21 Oct 22, Air Marshal Vibhas Pande, Air Officer Commanding in Chief of Headquarters Maintenance Command was the Chief Guest. After the prize distribution ceremony during his closing address, he congratulated the winners and appreciated all the participants, official of the Air Force Sports Control Board (AFSCB) and the Commanding Officer of HQ MC (U) who was instrumental in organizing the event.
He expressed his happiness for the closely contested games which were played in the true spirit of sportsmanship and enthralled the closely packed audience. The matches not only showcased the talents and great potential of the players but generated a lot of enthusiasm amongst the air warriors to pick up Lawn Tennis as a sport. He urged the players to strive for excellence as they have already displayed a great deal of promise and make the Indian Air Force proud by winning laurel at the Inter Services Competitions as well as at the national level which would follow subsequently.