India tennis legend Akhtar Ali passes away

Akhtar Ali, a former Davis Cup coach and a legendary determine in Indian tennis, died on Sunday resulting from a number of well being points, together with just lately detected prostate most cancers.
Akhtar, father of India’s present Davis Cup coach Zeeshan Ali, was 83 and breathed his final in Kolkata.
Akhtar, whose teaching type emphasised on enjoying aggressive serve and volley recreation, formed many careers, together with that of the legendary Leander Paes other than his personal son Zeeshan.
His teaching additionally influenced Vijay Amritraj and Ramesh Krishnan.
Akhtar performed eight Davis Cup ties between 1958 and 1964 and in addition captained and coached the Indian group.
Akhtar Ali and former India Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. (Source: Akhtar Ali/Facebook)
According to household sources, he was taken to a metropolis hospital two weeks in the past the place docs observed a lump in his chest and in addition prostate most cancers. He was already affected by dementia and parkinson’s illness.
Doctors suggested in opposition to any most cancers therapies due to his frail situation.

Saddened to listen to in regards to the passing of Akhtar Ali, a real tennis legend. ‘Akhtar Sir’ coached a lot of India’s tennis champions. We conferred Bengal’s highest sporting award on him in 2015. I used to be lucky to at all times obtain his heat affection. Condolences to his household and admirers
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 7, 2021
Zeeshan, conducting a junior nationwide camp on the DLTA right here, had returned to the nationwide capital on Monday after spending a while together with his father however has headed again to Kolkata after listening to the information of his demise.
“Akhtar Ali was terrific as a coach both when I was a junior as well as coach of our India Davis Cup team. Always pushed hard n kept the team relaxed. He did great service to Indian Tennis. RIP dear Aktar. Sincere condolences to Zeeshan n his lovely family,” the legendary Vijay Amritraj tweeted.
Former Davis Cupper Somdev Devvarman recalled him as a passionate taskmaster.
“One of the first times I threw up during practice was with Akhtar sir at the South club in the summer of 1999. He always gave it his best and taught us to do the same. RIP Akhtar Ali, legend of Indian tennis,” he tweeted.