It is indecisiveness on the part of the All India Tennis Association that is responsible for the situation it finds itself in. Knowing full well the chaos it would cause, it has selected two men’s doubles teams for the London Olympics. It should have been firm in discarding players who are not in the best of their forms now, however good their past reputation. Leander Paes definitely does not merit selection based on his recent performances. The truth should be told on the face.
A.V. Narayanan, Tiruchi
The AITA has done the right thing. If India wants to win a medal, it makes sense to send players in the right frame of mind rather than send a team just because a team has to be sent. Paes has constantly been out of the matches citing various injuries. Extensive practice, training and determination with a long-term focus are important for players who want to win a medal. Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna have been working towards that. Agreed, the way the players went about the episode is not acceptable. But then the AITA should have had a plan in place. Let us hope the players will give it their all .
Ann Nancy Thomas, Chennai
Bhupathi and Bopanna have been playing doubles for several months. The AITA is well aware of the fact that they have been preparing to represent India at the Olympics. Theirs is the best doubles team we have today. The AITA should have called the players for a meeting much in advance to sort out the issues. Paes has served Indian tennis for many years. Let us appeal to him to represent India once again even if that means partnering a lower ranked player. He could still win a medal for India.
Srikanth, Chennai
Sending two teams was the best possible solution the AITA could provide. I believe injustice has been done to Paes. But he should agree to the IATA’s decision in the larger interest of the nation and play with Vishnu Vardhan. It is a great opportunity for Vishnu who has said it is his dream to play in the Olympics. The matter is now settled and the players, setting aside their personal differences, should play for the nation.
T. Sandeep Viswanath, Medak
Keywords: Indian tennis players