The Hindu : Sport / Tennis : Our mission is transparent: Bhupathi

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Thursday, Oct 02, 2008
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Our mission is transparent: Bhupathi

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: AITA’s stand on the Mission 2018, an Apollo Tyres initiative to produce a Grand Slam singles champion by 2018, has dismayed Indian tennis ace, Mahesh Bhupathi, the mentor of the programme.

“This programme is genuinely aimed at producing results and nothing else. To debate at this stage whether we will succeed is not the right thing to do. We have a job and we are doing it…and that too with all sincerity,” said Bhupathi from London in a telephonic chat with The Hindu.

Bhupathi pointed out to the fact that many of the Indian greats have found their place under the sun because of private enterprises like the Britannia Amritraj Trust in the past.

Results matter

“There is nothing wrong in anyone trying to produce results for Indian tennis on their own, whether it is the National federation, State association or just private tennis academies or their programmes. What matters is the result,” said Bhupathi.

On AITA’s demand that the association would like Apollo to submit its accounts on the programme, Bhupathi said “everything is transparent in our programme. They are most welcome to visit our centres, see how we run the programme and how trainees are being coached. They can also look for themselves how the funds are being utilised. There is nothing hidden here”.

Strict selection process

Bhupathi also clarified that there was a strict selection process, with a nation-wide talent search across the country. “In fact, we are raising the benchmark, a bit higher this time, considering the international standards,” he said.

He was pleased with the progress of the programme. “I am quite happy with the way things are going. We now have a Canadian coach (Bobby Mahal) and an international class support staff, all geared to deliver results”, said Bhupathi.

But what worries the ten-time Grand Slam doubles champion is, what he perceives, ‘negative publicity ’ generated by such issues.

“Indian tennis needs sponsors, but issues like these, which questions commitment, would have an adverse effect. This (producing champions) is a common cause and we should put our heads together and work on that roadmap,” signed off Bhupathi.

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