Pune, April 6,2025: The Indian women’s tennis team is gearing up for the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup 2025 Asia-Oceania Group I games and will be led by the very experienced Ankita Raina. Along with India, teams from Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and Thailand will feature in the Billie Jean King Cup 2025 Asia-Oceania Group I here in Pune.
Ankita, who is ranked 300th in the world in singles as of the end of March, spoke about playing the Billie Jean King Cup 2025 Asia-Oceania Group 1 games at home.
“I’m excited that the Billie Jean King Cup 2025 Asia-Oceania Group 1 games are happening in Pune and it’s an honour to be leading the Indian team. I’ve been a part of the Indian for more than 10 years. It was always a dream to represent my country, and I feel blessed to have achieved that,” Ankita said as quoted by the Billie Jean King Cup press release.
Ankita is part of a five-member team that includes Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Vaidehi Chaudhari, and Prarthana Thombare. The teenage sensation Maaya Rajeshwaran is named a reserve player.
When asked about what she does to keep calm in high-pressure games, Ankita spoke about the importance of meditation in her life. She said, “I got introduced to meditation when I was 18 or 20, and it helped in the transition from the junior level to the senior level because that’s when you face tougher challenges. You’re playing against more experienced players and facing tougher situations, and also learning what can be done in the crucial moments of a match. So, I think that’s where meditation has helped me stay calm.”
