New Delhi: Meanwhile, Mahesh Bhupathi complained to the Sports Ministry over the issue of selection, raising apprehensions over AITA’s selection process wherein he is being forced to pair with estranged partner Leander Paes.
In a strongly-worded letter to Sports Minister Ajay Maken, Bhupathi has stated that “the manner in which this has been communicated and handled by the All India Tennis Association defies logic”.
“If the objective, as proved by latter events, was to send only one team, why was this not communicated to the players clearly and well in advance such that the team proposed to be sent to the Olympics could train together and play together?” Bhupathi asked.
AITA’s decision, Bhupathi said, “surprised” and “disappointed” him.
“The stance taken by AITA of refusing to nominate a team that has legitimately qualified on its own record – and instead nominating two players who have failed in four previous Olympic events and who have not played together this year – is bemusing and difficult for to understand,” Bhupathi said in the letter.
Bhupathi’s letter seemed to garner support from Maken, as the minister later tweeted, “We can send 2 teams, why send 1? Hidden question is on who should pair Sania? Why disturb victorious Grand Slam mixed double pair?”
His ministry then shot off a six-point letter to AITA President Anil Khanna and sought explanation by Tuesday afternoon.
AITA’s new secretary general, Bharat Ojha, was not quiet either, saying that Bhupathi should be willing to partner Paes for India’s sake, and suggested that the Sports Ministry should try resolving the issue. (Agencies)
