In another selection controversy that rocked Indian tennis ahead of the Olympics, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna beat up the Indian Tennis Association (AITA) after the double star claimed the tennis association had him and the whole country in his Olympic qualification Tokyo misled.
Rohan Bopanna posted a strongly worded social media post on Monday in which he said the International Tennis Federation (ITF) had not accepted an admission request for him and Sumit Nagal, qualified for the men’s singles at the Tokyo Olympics after a series of cancellations.
Bopanna said the ITF’s reaction contrasts with reports that AITA promptly paired him with Nagal for the men’s doubles competition by withdrawing Divij Sharan’s nomination, ranked 113th.
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Bopanna, who expressed disappointment over the lack of clarity in the ITF’s qualification rules, criticized the AITA. “The ITF has never accepted an entry for Sumit Nagal & me. ITF was clear that after the nomination deadline (June 22nd) no changes are allowed unless it is injuries / illnesses having a chance,” said he.
Sacrificed a very good shot on a medal: Sania
Sania Mirza reacted in shock to the post, saying the lack of clarity may have cost India a real chance at winning a mixed doubles medal. In particular, Mirza said there are plans to use Bopanna and herself in mixed doubles if the senior doubles player got a Tokyo ticket.
“Whaaattt ??? If that’s true then it’s absolutely ridiculous and shameful .. with that we also sacrificed a very good shot at a medal in mixed doubles if you and I had played as planned. that the names of you and Sumit were given (sic), ”Sania said in a tweet.
Whaaattt ??? If that’s true then it’s absolutely ridiculous and shameful … that also means that we would have sacrificed a very good shot at a medal in mixed doubles if you and I had played as planned. We were both told that you and Sumit’s name were mentioned. https://t.co/h3fGkK0im8
– Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) July 19, 2021
Bopanna laments the lack of clarity in the qualifying rules for tennis doubles. In fact, the Grand Slam winner had said he had visited the ATP office daily during his Wimbledon campaign earlier this month but received no clarification.
Sania left for Tokyo on Monday. She will represent India in her fourth Olympic appearance as she prepares for the women’s doubles with game debutante Ankita Raina.
AITA Secretary General proposes in Bopanna. back
In the meantime, AITA General Secretary Anil Dhupar has denied Rohan Bopanna’s allegations and questioned why the star player blames the association for missing the Tokyo berth.
“All formalities began on June 17th and we also wrote that Sumit, as a single player, is also entitled to a doubles partner. That is why we have changed the nomination of Rohan-Divij to Rohan and Sumit for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.” Ghupar was quoted by ANI.
All offices were closed on Saturday and Sunday, ITF is closed. I don’t know why he’s saying all this. If you are so good why do you need people to withdraw? You are a world class player, you should compete in the Olympics on your own why are you in need of retreat.
“I don’t understand .. and what is the problem with the association. AITA has done its best to ensure that Rohan and doubles go to the Olympics so that we can also play mixed doubles. Participate in the Olympics Playing is not in the hands of the association. There are laws and regulations for that, “he added.
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