AITA overrules Bopanna's preference, Leander to partner in Rio Olympics

VETERAN TENNIS PLAYER Leander Paes will play his seventh Olympics in Rio, thanks to AITA. The selection committee did not take Rohan Bopanna's preference into consideration and instead took the final call to put Paes along with Bopanna for the men's doubles category.

AITA announced four-member team that will play in the Olympics. Bopanna will also feature in the mixed doubles category along with Sania Mirza. In the women's doubles category Sania will play with Prarthna Thombare, the pair had won a Bronze at the 2014 Asiad.

"Rohan Bopanna respects Paes, he has given us his reasons why he would prefer Saket Myneni. Rohan praised Leander in the letter he wrote to the selection committee. But committee decided that Rohan Bopanna will partner with Leander Paes," AITA President Anil Khanna told reporters. 

Leander Paes is thrilled about this, he said,

“To play for the flag has always been the greatest inspiration for me. I am humbled by the love showered upon me by the people. Their overwhelming and unconditional support has been my pillar of strength and motivation throughout my career.
The honour to represent India at Rio Olympics 2016 is a dream come true. I am thankful to the All India Tennis Association for bestowing me this opportunity to wear the Tri-colours on my heart once again.”

 

This selection from AITA does not come as a surprise as Paes is a senior player and also playing at his best at present. Olympics is a prestigious event and one does not want to risk sending a pair that will stand no chance of fighting for a medal. Bopanna had picked Saketh Myneni over Paes which was not accepted well by the fans or AITA.

Now since the decision has made, both the players, Bopanna and Paes should keep their differences aside and work hard together to aim for an Olympic medal.