The MSLTA tennis centre at Cooperage has been renamed as the Dr G A Ranade Tennis Centre. The centre was renamed on Sunday at a simple ceremony.

The centre was inaugurated by his wife Mrs Sarojini Ranade. The inauguration also marked the beginning of the laid five synthetic courts and new international standard flood lighting.

The late Dr Ranade, a Chhatrapati awardee, devoted his entire life for the development of tennis in the state and country. He was instrumental in organising a number of Davis Cup ties in the state. He was also the general secreatry of the All-India Tennis Association from 1975-76 and the Hon Secretary of the MSLTA from 1968-75. Even after retiring as the Hon.

Secretary, he continued to guide the association as a member of the council till he breathed his last.

CHAMPS cricket tie on Jan 23

The first fund raising activity of the Champs Foundation will be a double-wicket cricket tournament to be played on January 23, 1999, atBrabourne Stadium. Preparations for the match and a fund raising, dinner cum auction at the Roof top of the Oberoi Hotel, are in full swing.

The Champs Fouundation was launched by Sunil Gavaskar on December 3. Champs (an acronym for Caring, Helping, Assisting, Motivating and Promoting Sportsperson) aims to benefit the needy sportspersons of yesteryears who have brought glory to India and also the exceptionally promising and budding sportspersons.

There has been a tremendous response to the CHAMPS Foundation from large Indian and International companies as well as the individual donors.Most Indian players, from the 1983 Cricket World Cup winning team, have confirmed their participation.

Contributions are to be sent in the name of ``The CHAMPS Foundation'', c/o Professional Management Group, E-6 Everest Building, Tardeo Road, Mumbai 400 034. Phone 494 1356, 493 7686.

Don Bosco football tournament

The 28th Don Bosco Challenge Cup football tournament for seniors, organised by the Don Bosco YouthCentre (Kurla), will be commencing from Sunday, January 10.

The last day for entries is January 5. For entries contact: Bro Frank Braganza Tel: 514 5508/ 514 4217 or Tony Rodrigues Tel: 415 5447.

KSA office bearers

LD Kotian was elected president and MS Rao and SN Devdas the secretaries in the Karnatak Sporting Association AGM which was held on November 28.The office bearers: President: LD Kotian, Vice president: PT Bhandary, Treasurer: HV Suvarna, Secretaries: MS Rao, SN Devdas, Members: KM Shetty, KM Puthran, Suresh Shetty, Mohan Uchil, Tejpal Salian Shekar Kotian and Ramu Chandan.