Tuesday 01 / July / 2025
Muscat: Travelling to Wimbledon is like a spiritual journey for any tennis enthusiast. And to watch one’s favourite star in flesh and blood at the annual grass-court Grand Slam is every fan’s dream, one that can be realised provided one has the means.
But imagine walking on to the hallowed lawns of the All England Club to enforce tennis laws. A rare opportunity for those from this part of the world. But one gentleman from Muscat is all set to change that this year.
We are talking about Venketeson Karthikeyan. An experienced umpire, Karthikeyan has been selected by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to officiate at the Wimbledon starting with the qualifying rounds and with the likelihood of getting an opportunity to call the shots against the global superstars in the main championships.
“It’s a dream come true for me. I have been looking forward to this opportunity for long,” said Karthikeyan, who works as a sports teacher at the Indian School Muscat (ISM).
Overseas umpires
“There are around 1,483 officials around the world and to be selected among the 120 overseas umpires for Wimbledon duty is a great honour. I should say I am very fortunate to have got this opportunity,” he added. So what made ITF extend an invitation to Karthikeyan, who will now become the first official from Oman to receive such an honour? The latest and most important assignment of his umpiring career can be attributed to the White Badge holder’s experience over the years and his consistent showing at various international tournaments in the last couple of years.
“I have done well as an umpire in the last couple of years. In 2017, I was in India for three weeks officiating at ITF Pro Circuit tournaments in Chennai and Coimbatore. In 2018, I officiated in both ATP and WTA Qatar Open tournaments and also as a chair umpire in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group IV competition held in Muscat,” he said.
“I think the ITF noticed my work and then gave me this opportunity.”
Karthikeyan will now be heading to Wimbledon on June 20 to officiate in the qualifying rounds, which will take place from June 25 to 28.
“Thanks to my experience, I am confident of doing well in the qualifying rounds. Then I will be keeping my fingers crossed... and wait for the ITF decision. Hope I get an opportunity to officiate in the main championship as well," he said.
“I am going to cherish this journey to the All England Club. And I would like to thank both Indian School Muscat, as well as the Oman Tennis Association for their co-operation and the opportunities given to me over the years,” said Karthikeyan.
