Tennis Star Sumit Nagal Thanks Virat Kohli After Historic Win In Australian Open 2024
Virat Kohli Foundation helped Nagar during his toughest phase (X.com)
After achieving overnight stardom with his historic first-round victory at the Australian Open 2024, Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal expressed deep gratitude to Virat Kohli's foundation for the crucial financial assistance that played a pivotal role during his challenging times.
Nagal etched his name in the history books on January 16 by becoming the first player from India to defeat a seeded player in the Australian Open since 1989.
The 26-year-old achieved this remarkable feat by triumphing over Alexander Bublik from Kazakhstan in the opening round, securing a 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 victory and advancing to the second round.
Notably, this marked the first time in 35 years that a male Indian tennis player progressed to the second round of a Grand Slam after defeating a seeded player in the first round, turning Nagal into the talk of the town.
Nagal shares a special connection with the star Indian cricketer, who has been supporting him since 2017. Nagal was associated with the Virat Kohli Foundation from 2017 to 2021. In a 2019 interview, India’s No. 1 tennis star expressed how Virat Kohli and his foundation provided crucial support during challenging times, including a period when he had a mere $6 to his name.
Following Nagal’s historic achievement at the Australian Open, an old interview resurfaced where he thanked the former India captain for supporting him during a financial crisis.
“I speak to Virat Kohli once in a while. I was also a part of the Virat Kohli foundation. His foundation has helped me; I would like to thank him for all the support in those years. You know, which Indian doesn’t like cricket? I follow it and watch it whenever I get a chance, yeah,” Sumit Nagal told reporters after beating Bublik in straight sets.
Last year in the month of December, Nagal revealed that he had only Rs 80,000 in his bank account. Now, he has secured a substantial amount, ensuring a minimum of Rs 98 lakh, marking a significant improvement from his financial challenges just four years ago.
The Virat Kohli Foundation operates with the mission of promoting the welfare of budding and established sportspeople in India, and Sumit Nagal is among many who have benefitted from Kohli’s foundation, demonstrating the positive impact it has on the sporting community.
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
