AITA in Trouble – Mahesh Bupathi and Bopanna refused to pair with Paes

The controversy over the  selection of the Indian tennis squad for the London Olympics, had moved to the Union Sports Ministry. The cold vibes between Paes and Bhupathi were overlooked as the AITA (All India Tennis Association’s )sought refuge in patriotism, and the association’s vice-president and secretary Anil Khanna said: “The team with the best possible medal winning chance has been selected. I am sure the two will put the nation first and overcome their petty differences. Paes said that he is willing to play with anyone.

“Mahesh expressed his reservations but we hope that he will get over the emotions.” Even as Rohan Bopanna on Monday, followed Mahesh Bhupathi in declining the invitation of the national federation to play with Leander Paes.

The duo also expressed hoped that “better sense will prevail before the team nomination deadline of June 21.”

The statement said: “We have worked tirelessly on our pairing to represent the nation on sport’s most prestigious platform. We have repeatedly communicated to the AITA our desire to only be considered for selection as a team. This was on the basis that we are a team legitimately entitled to a Direct Acceptance to the Olympics by virtue of our rankings.

“It is indeed disappointing that the AITA has chosen to disregard our request. To not send one of the best tennis teams in the world to the Olympics — and to nominate one that has had four previous unsuccessful attempts — fails to put the interests of the nation first.”

The ministry said that with two days left for the deadline, by not sending Paes with a youngster to represent India, the AITA was depriving India of sending another team to the London Olympics, and sought an explanation. The ministry also wanted AITA to explain why Bhupathi and Bopanna were being ignored even though they were the highest ranked Indian pair on the ATP Tour.