Majuli boy selected as Ball Kid for the 2027 Australian Open, among just four children chosen from India
From a remote village in Majuli to the global stage of tennis, Samuel Doley is all set to turn his dreams into reality. The Class VII student from Chanang village in Majuli has been selected as a Ball Kid for the 2027 Australian Open, scheduled to be held in Melbourne, Australia. He is among only four children selected from India for the prestigious international sporting event.
Life has never been easy for Samuel. With poor road connectivity, difficult terrain and limited transport facilities, he had to cross muddy paths and travel by boat to attend Humming Bird School at Kulamua in Majuli.
His father, Bipul Doley, works as a farmer and daily-wage labourer to support the family, while his mother, Indrawati Doley, manages household responsibilities. Despite their limited financial resources, his parents have made immense sacrifices to support their son’s dreams.
Interestingly, Samuel had little knowledge of tennis until a few years ago. Until 2024, he was undergoing training in martial arts. However, his journey took a new turn when he developed an interest in tennis.
Samuel was selected through a trial competition organised at Humming Bird School. Thereafter, under the guidance of India’s renowned tennis player Rohan Bopanna, he underwent rigorous training and successfully cleared various selection stages to earn this opportunity.
At the 2027 Australian Open, Samuel will get the opportunity to be part of one of the world’s biggest tennis tournaments and gain valuable experience alongside global tennis stars such as Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina.
Samuel’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of his parents’ sacrifices, determination and unwavering support.
His remarkable journey from a remote village in Majuli to the international tennis arena is expected to inspire thousands of young aspiring sportspersons across Assam to dream big and pursue their goals despite challenges.
