In a stunning display of grit and talent, 14-year-old Jensi Kanabar from Junagadh, Gujarat, has etched her name in history by clinching the Australian Open Asia-Pacific Elite 14 and Under Trophy 2026. Becoming the first Indian girl to achieve this feat, her triumph has sparked nationwide pride.
Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led the celebrations, posting on X: ‘From Junagadh to Melbourne, India’s pride.’ He congratulated the Khelo India athlete for her groundbreaking victory over Australia’s Mussemma Seleck in the final.
The final was a thriller. Trailing 3-6 in the first set and 0-2 in the second, Jensi mounted a remarkable comeback, sealing the match 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. Her journey in Melbourne began with a solid 6-4, 6-2 win against Nepal’s Shivli Gurung, followed by victories over China’s Jinyu Zhou (7-5, 6-4), New Zealand’s Joselyn Park (6-0, 6-1), and Japan’s Aoi Yoshida in the semifinals.
Jensi’s rise is no fluke. Top-ranked in India’s U-14 and U-16 categories by the All India Tennis Federation, she has consistently shone in national and international arenas. Hailing from a modest background in Junagadh, her dedication under the Khelo India program signals a bright future for Indian tennis.
This victory not only boosts her confidence but also inspires young girls across India to pick up the racket. As Dr. Mandaviya noted, it’s a testament to grassroots sports development. Experts predict Jensi could soon challenge on the global junior circuit, potentially paving the way for India’s next tennis sensation.
