Biren Jaspala
There was palpable excitement for 9-year-old Sahej Jaspal and his family after they learned he would be the recipient of the 2025 USTA Mid-Atlantic Tennis Creates Youth Leader Award. The young tennis star is not only racking up victories on the court, but also making a name for himself off it.
Biren Jaspala
Jaspal first learned the game when he was 3 years old, picked up a racquet, and learned the basics from his father during casual rallies. Besides tennis, there was a love for playing soccer, both as a striker and a goalkeeper. Jaspal used soccer’s concentration techniques to sharpen his tennis game. As time went on, the friendly volleys turned into consistent shots, and soon, tennis became not just a hobby but a passion.
Biren Jaspala
“Tennis is just a fun sport, and you can play no matter how old you are. I like the competitive spirit behind it,” Jasapal said.
Jaspal currently competes in USTA-sanctioned tournaments and plays for a USTA Mid-Atlantic Junior Team Tennis squad, where he has helped guide his team to multiple playoff appearances. Jaspal has also been allowed to represent the Mid-Atlantic region at the international Little Mo tournament, a milestone typically reserved for older, more experienced players.
Success, however, has not come without challenges. Like many young athletes, Jaspal has struggled at times with frustration, especially after tough losses or matches that did not go as planned. There were also times when he questioned whether to push forward, but going backwards was not an option.
“Whenever I start feeling angry, I try to calm myself down, because if I stay angry, it would put me at a disadvantage. There were times when I felt this was not for me and I didn’t want to do it anymore, but I pushed myself through it,” Jaspal said.
The award recognizes young players who embody the Foundation’s core values of character, inclusivity, well-being, and service, and officials say the young man stands out as an athlete whose leadership extends far beyond match results. Outside contributions include volunteering at a soup kitchen, raising $6,000 for Children’s National Hospital, and supporting housing projects for underprivileged children in India.
In addition to his service work, Jaspal regularly invites friends and younger players to rally with him and consistently emphasises that tennis is not just about winning but about improvement, fun, and lifelong fitness. Because of his many accomplishments, Jaspal will now be recognized along with other honorees at the Tennis Creates Gala on Dec. 6 at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C.
“I did not think I would win any award for this, and my parents were very excited for me, and I want to thank them for it,” he said. “Winning a free box of cookies was pretty cool, too.”
Jaspal has dreams of competing professionally one day. His idol is Carlos Alcaraz, and he imagines playing against him at Arthur Ashe Stadium in the U.S. Open, as well as competing in other significant tennis events. For right now, he is focused on improving his skills and continuing to serve others.