Indian Association Bans Bhupathi And Bopanna

Written by: Staff on 17th September 2012

Indian Association Bans Bhupathi And Bopanna |

The Olympic controversy between the All India Tennis Association (AITA) and players Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna just won’t die down. Over the weekend, AITA decided to suspend that double pairing for two years from Davis Cup, all but ending Bhupathi’s career in that competition as he is now 38 years old.

The row began when Bhupathi and Bopanna refused to play with Leander Paes at the Olympics and insisted on playing together. Paes has decided to split with Bhupathi at the end of 2011, which became an acrimonious parting. AITA tried to force both Bhupathi and Bopanna to play with Paes, but after a tremendous amount of arguing, through the media, they relented.

Paes eventually partnered rookie Vishnu Vardhan and was also paired with Sania Mirza in the mixed doubles, even though she wanted to play with Bhupathi.

“It is. . . decided not to consider Bhupathi and Bopanna for selection to play for India until June 30, 2014, AITA secretary general Bharat Oza said. “AITA is not in a position to impose ban on any player. It’s a kind of disciplinary action to send across a message to players, who aspire to play for India that we will not tolerate this,”

Over the weekend, India beat New Zealand 5-0 to win its Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I first round play-off 5-0 behind young players Vardhan, Yuki Bhambri and Sanam Singh.

Paes decided not to play that tie and instead chose to compete in the World Team Tennis final for the Washington Kastles in South Carolina.

“He was hurt and emotionally drained,” Oza said. “He did not want to face media scrutiny so soon. We have to consider if a player is mentally and physically fit. We have to address all kind of issues. His request came if you can excuse me.”