Born and brought up in Guwahati, Alok Tripathi did his schooling from Don Bosco High School, Pan Bazar and went on to Kendriya Vidyalaya Khanapara for Higher Secondary. He then went to Hansraj College in Delhi University to pursue BA in English Honours and finally did MA in English from Cotton University, Guwahati. After completing his BA, he also went to Punjab University for a Diploma course. He then prepared for the Indian Army and appeared thrice for the Services Selection Board (SSB).
Belonging to a family where everyone’s inclined towards sports, Alok got into sports at a very tender age. At the age of 4, he started to learn swimming and used to play cricket. He also participated in the Yonex Open when he was merely 6 years old. But, in 1998, when he was merely 7 years old, Alok got introduced to tennis.
Tripathi started his Tennis career from the Nehru Stadium in 1998, but shifted to Sports Authority of India in 2002, right after the demolition of Nehru Stadium Tennis Court. He played there till 2010. “2002-10 was a very vital and pivotal journey in my tennis career,” he exclaimed.
During his time in the Sports Authority of India, he won many championships. He won his first national title in 2006, the singles as well as doubles in the All India Championship series 2009, represented Junior India in Asian Junior Tennis Event held in Delhi in 2010, and participated in the Championship Series in 2014. In 2010, he represented Delhi University as the captain of the team in the Inter-University Tournament where he won the gold. In 2014, he represented Punjab University (where he was pursuing a diploma) as the captain in the Inter-University Tournament.
Talking about representing his nation, Alok said, “Ever since I engaged in sports, my aim had been to represent my country. I wanted to wear the Indian jersey and do my nation proud. Although I didn’t win the Asian Junior Tennis Title, it was a proud moment for me to make it to the main round and participate alongside players from so many other countries.” He further added, “I believe, when the strings of your heart are attached to your nation, you will always rise high.”
He has also clinched the title for three consecutive years at the 23rd, 24th and 25th Inter-District Tournament. He also clinched the men’s champion title in the last North East Tennis Event held at Golaghat, Assam.
Alok worked as an Assistant Manager at the Goodricke Tea Estate, Udalguri for 8 months. “It was a wonderful experience working in the tea garden – getting to know about the lifestyle, habits and feelings of the Adivasi people. The workers and we, administrative staff, shared a very special bond but I had to resign due to personal and unavoidable reasons.”
Recently, Alok Tripathi, as the Organising Secretary of Racquets and Balls Tennis Association, organised the North East India Open Tennis Championship in memory of Late Ranjit Dutta, one of Assam’s finest tennis exponents ever.
Alok has also been associated with Kreeda Bharati, the sports wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, since 2011. Being a swayamsevak, he informed, “Attending the daily morning saakha gives me a boost and makes me more disciplined and sincere in life.” He also truly believes in helping the poor and giving back to the society. “Helping others gives me inner satisfaction and makes me really happy,” Alok says.
Talking about the importance of sports in an individual’s life, Alok pointed out, “Sports are important in our lives as it imbibes certain qualities which are essential to lead a good life. It makes you mentally strong and physically fit.”
Taking to G Plus about his take on the Lodha Committee’s recommendations, he said, “I feel that the Lodha Committee’s recommendations should be implemented, not only in cricket, but in all sports. Politics and sports should function separately and mutually exclusive of each other. No players’ dreams should be shattered due to the influence of politicians and internal politics.”
Alok’s message to the young talents of Assam who want to do big in the field of sports is, “If you want to grow and become a national champion, you have to work really hard. Coaching/practice sessions are not enough; you must indulge in individual practice to get an edge over the other players. Remember, becoming the number 1 is a big task and maintaining that position is a much bigger task than that.”
