The AITA on Saturday refuted Somdev Devvarman’s claim that the players were completely unaware of the additional concessions made by the national tennis federation, saying they had discussed the new offers with at least three players.
The AITA, in a release, said it had spoken to Vishnu Vardhan, Divij Sharan and Sanam Singh about the new offers.
“In respect of Somdev Devvarman’s statement that AITA did not communicate with the players, we wish to state that this statement is totally incorrect. We were personally in contact with Vishnu Vardhan till about 11.30 p.m. on Thursday,” a release by Col. Ranbir Chauhan and Col. Amarbir Singh said. “We had categorically informed him that remaining demands (business class travel for Asia-Oceania Zone for four players and a squad of six players) of the players have been met but the selection of the coach and captain was the AITA’s responsibility.
“He assured us that he would contact other players, and would get back to us. During the day we had met Sanam Singh and requested him to speak to Somdev Devvarman. One of our committee members was also in touch with Divij Sharan.
“It is correct that a written letter was not sent, but the concern of business class fares for all four players and composition of team of six members was duly communicated.
“We called up Vishnu Vardhan and Sanam Singh on Friday morning but our phone went unanswered.”
“We strongly deny that we have been unprofessional and unethical and believe that players should have made themselves available as was indicated to be a possibility by some players till late Thursday night,” the release said.
