Tennis star will host fundraiser benefitting his Indian countrymen




REACHING OUT—Tennis legend Vijay Amritraj listens to a woman’s story in his native India.

REACHING OUT—Tennis legend Vijay Amritraj listens to a woman’s story in his native India.

During his childhood in India in the 1950s, Vijay Amritraj spent many months in the hospital coping with severe asthma.

As he got older, doctors recommended that the boy spend more time outdoors to improve his lung function.

Because other family members played tennis, Amritraj took up the sport, which then became a big part of his life.

He began to play professionally in 1970 and achieved his first tennis success in 1973, when he reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. He then participated in the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open and was a member of the Indian team that reached the final of the Davis Cup in 1974.

For almost two decades, Amritraj was one of the most famous tennis players in the world, competing against numerous tennis greats. He again reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 1981, but was defeated by Jimmy Connors who rallied from a twoset deficit to win the match.

In conjunction with his career as a player, Amritraj became a leading tennis commentator for Fox Sports in the U.S. and STARTV in Asia, and established First Serve Entertainment, a multimedia production company that helped Disney, Turner and ESPN enter the Indian market.

As his popularity grew, Amritraj also became an advocate for people in need. He was designated a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2001 for participating in and organizing charitable events worldwide, raising funds to fight the spread of AIDS and assisting Indian-American charitable organizations.

“Joining the U.N. gave me the opportunities to see firsthand the incredible work of 60 U.N. agencies that serve the communities in different parts of the world. They assist following natural tragedies and man-made disasters,” he said.

In 2006, Amritraj launched his own foundation to support underprivileged people in India.

“When I was having all these health issues, I had the care and loving support of my parents, but not everyone has that,” said Amritraj, who lives in Encino. “Much work needs to be done around the world, but I try to focus on the country where I come from.”

The Vijay Amritraj Foundation will host its fifth annual fundraiser on Fri. and Sat., Oct. 29 and 30 at the Calabasas Tennis Center, 23400 Park Sorrento.

The event will begin with Tennis Day Friday, featuring a variety of exhibition matches, including pro singles, pro doubles and pro celebrity matches. Tennis legend Jimmy Connors will be honored at 5 p.m., and guests will have an opportunity to socialize while enjoying gourmet food and wine.

Saturday will feature a reception and dinner followed by a 90- minute Beach Boys concert. The concert will take place in the center court and begin at 7 p.m.

“I’m delighted to honor my good friend Jimmy Connors and to host the Beach Boys for this wonderful charity weekend combining tennis and music,” Amritraj said.

Amritraj said all proceeds from the event will go to charity. Sponsors include IREO, American Airlines, Rolex, Jaguar, Land Rover, Disney, The Tennis Channel, Sony Entertainment Television, Tata Consultancy Services and Highglow Jewelers.

Tickets are $20 to $300. Visit www.thevaf.com.

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