Indo-Pak Express Breaks Up for Olympic Reasons

Written by: Staff on 30th November 2011

Indo-Pak Express Breaks Up for Olympic Reasons

epa01311339 Indian tennis player Rohan Bopana returns the ball to Japanese Kei Nishikori during their Asia/Oceania Zone Group I Davis Cup second round singles match in New Delhi, India, 11 April 2008. Bopana won 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 2-6 and 6-3. EPA/MONEY SHARMA |

Pakistan’s Aisam-ul Haq Qureshi has denied that his split with Rohan Bopanna of India is a result of conflict between the two.

The pair, who contested the final of the 2010 US Open, teamed up in 2007 and soon drew attention as the relationship between their respective countries was far from cordial. Eventually they became ambassadors for peace between their two nations, wearing shirts emblazoned with ‘Stop War Start Tennis’. They also attempted to set up an exhibition match with a net strung along the border.

Despite their professional split they remain close, and Bopanna will attend his partner’s wedding in Lahore on December 16th. The reason for the partnership dissolving was purely professional, said Qureshi.

“It was a unique partnership, very very special not only for us but for the people of both the countries and we achieved remarkable results on and off the court.

“(But) some three months ago Bopanna came to me and told me that in order to qualify for 2012 Olympics he has to play with an Indian partner and although it was shocking for me I respect his decision.

“In my opinion it ended on a good note and we will continue to be good friends and ambassadors of peace. In fact he is invited to my wedding and he has promised to attend.”

It is still possible that the team dubbed as the ‘Indo-Pak Express’ may reform in the future.

“DAILY TENNIS NEWS WIRE”