Like many other sports, Indian tennis is also a legacy of the British Raj. The army officers and civilians in late 19th century played tennis as pastime. Soon, there were competitive tournaments for wider participation. But most such tournaments were won by British nationals, until an Indian, Mohd. Saleem of Lahore broke the stranglehold in 1915. Saleem was so good that he held Punjab Championship for eight successive years from 1919 to 1926. Saleem proved a great inspiration to several Indian players, who started participating in competitive tennis.