Won’t pair with Paes: Bhupathi
16 Jun 2012 9:30 AM GMT
The AITA on Friday selected Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes to represent India for the upcoming London Olympics. The duo was selected based on their experience and having played four Olympics together, AITA expected them to bury their differences for the nation.
However, Bhupathi has not forgotten the older bitterness with Paes. He told a television channel, 'I have already told the All India Tennis Association that I will not be available to play the Olympics if I am paired with Leander. I haven't even spoken to Leander since November.' Bhupathi further said that he did not want another failure in Olympics following the last two outings with Paes.
Earlier in the day Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna expressed disappointment at the AITA decision by issuing a joint statement, saying, 'To not send one of the best tennis teams in the world to the Olympics – and to, instead, choose to nominate one that has had four previous unsuccessful attempts – fails to put the interests of the nation first.'
The statement further said, 'Moreover, choosing to send only one team when India was entitled to two denies two highly accomplished players of the privilege and opportunity to represent the country at the Olympics. This is a sad day for Indian tennis from all perspectives.'
One of the selectors hit back at the statement calling it unfortunate. 'It's very unfortunate that they have come up with this statement. They should bury their differences and play for the pride of the country,' he said.
However, Bhupathi has not forgotten the older bitterness with Paes. He told a television channel, 'I have already told the All India Tennis Association that I will not be available to play the Olympics if I am paired with Leander. I haven't even spoken to Leander since November.' Bhupathi further said that he did not want another failure in Olympics following the last two outings with Paes.
Earlier in the day Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna expressed disappointment at the AITA decision by issuing a joint statement, saying, 'To not send one of the best tennis teams in the world to the Olympics – and to, instead, choose to nominate one that has had four previous unsuccessful attempts – fails to put the interests of the nation first.'
The statement further said, 'Moreover, choosing to send only one team when India was entitled to two denies two highly accomplished players of the privilege and opportunity to represent the country at the Olympics. This is a sad day for Indian tennis from all perspectives.'
One of the selectors hit back at the statement calling it unfortunate. 'It's very unfortunate that they have come up with this statement. They should bury their differences and play for the pride of the country,' he said.
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