Promising Odisha tennis player Aahaan Mishra entered the junior world rankings in U-18 boys category with notable performance at the J100 Nairobi ITF East Africa Junior Circuit III Tournament, which is being held in Nairobi from 11 November 2024.

Bhubaneswar youth Aahaan claimed victory in his opening round in singles main draw, defeating Tomer Tiktinsky of Israel 6-3, 6-3. However, in a hard-fought second-round match, he fell to Nikolas Baker from Australia 1-6, 5-7.

This breakthrough achievement will award Aahaan five Junior ITF ranking points, which is expected to place him around World No 3000 in the junior rankings. This is a significant milestone for the young talent, who had no prior world ranking before this event.

Aahaan also showcased his doubles prowess by winning his first-round match alongside partner Abhiram Nilakhe of India. The duo defeated Kenyan pair of Wycliffe Baraka and Edward Mwakio 6-0, 6-3. But in the second round, they lost to Nikolas Baker of Australia and Jules Rimbaud of France by 1-6, 6-3, 7-10.

Currently ranked No 4 in India in the U14 boys singles category, Aahan is a trainee of Odisha Tennis Academy and hons his skills under the guidance of senior coach Santosh Kumar Mallik at Kalinga Stadium Tennis Complex in Bhubaneswar.

Reflecting on his performance, Aahan expressed joy and dedicated his win to his parents and coach. He shared that the tournament has provided him with invaluable experience and motivation to keep pushing forward.