New Delhi: Mahesh Bhupathi has reportedly written a letter to All India Tennis Association (AITA) stating that he won’t partner Leander Paes at London Olympics. His latest move might jeopardize his chances to take part in London Olympics at all.
This came after Bhupathi publically alleged Paes, his former doubles partner, of backstabbing him and refused to partner him despite AITA announced their decision to send a doubles team consisting of him and Paes for London Olympics.
With AITA not ready to backtrack and announce different partner for Bhupathi, the Bangalore-based player will have no option but to miss out the Olympics berth and to possibly face sanction because the All India Tennis Association had categorically said it would not change the players` combination for the London Olympics.
AITA President, Anil Khanna had made a strong defence of the selection committee`s decision on picking the duo.
Urging Bhupathi to be a "little more mature", Khanna asked him to put the national interest first.
"Both (Bhupathi and Bopanna) have to realise that the nation comes much before commitment to each other," he said.
Khanna said if Bhupathi expects AITA to buckle under pressure and not pair him with Paes, "it will not happen".
Khanna had stressed that The Paes-Bhupathi pair is the best team for the Olympics.
"It will have to be Leander and Mahesh," he said.
Arguing that the Paes-Bhupathi pair is the best bet for India, Khanna said a medal-winning team is possible only with Paes.
"Olympics is a different ball game and tougher than a Grand Slam and wealth of experience that the duo has would keep them in good stead in crunch and pressure situation. We have to send medal winning team," Khannahad said.
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