Sunday, September 16, 2012
I seem to be always depressed when I read about Indian tennis....
I distinctly remember the day when Mahesh Bhupathi won his first Grand Slam title at French Open with his dimunitive partner Rika Hiraki. I dont think many expected this unlikely pair to go all the way in that tournament. Mahesh had to chase quite a few lobs over Rika's head in that Grand Slam:) But that was a monumental event in Mahesh Bhupathi's career. It paved way for his numerous grand slam titles including a career grand slam in mixed doubles.
It really saddens me that a player of such repute and such accomplishments should be unceremoniously let down by a country for whom he has served for so many years. The main issue here is that while the Olympic debacle went on, there was no attempt made by AITA, to stop individual press statements made by players and bring them to table to talk. Moreover,strict rules should have been in place about players talking to the press with regard to tournaments like Davis Cup,Asian Games,Olympics and Fed Cup. The more these guys dug their own holes,someone was smiling in the deep corridors of the AITA.
After all the damage was done and India's players came back empty handed at Olympics, this was the perfect time to let go of one of India's legends. The"other" legend was excused from Davis Cup citing emotional distress, even though he was in US playing club tennis. If that isnt partiality, I am not sure what is....
Mahesh had treaded on AITA's toes long back when he made a bid to take over the AITA. The unease between the AITA and him have continued over the years. Talks of omitting kids from Bhupathi's Academy in Blore over local kids for international events may have not been just a rumor.
Mahesh's recent announcement about partnering Daniel Nestor in 2013 comes as a good news to those, like me, are only interested in the Indian cause. Mahesh is not retiring, but, when he does, I want to recall his best Davis Cup ties, his medals and his Grand Slam titles. Not this tainted picture....He surely deserves more than this!!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Lets forget about things which have happened before the olympics....We all know about what the AITA is all about. Its such a shame when top coaches from other countries comment about the Junior Development Programe in India. We do not have a structured Junior Development Programe and still we are able to make world class junior players be it the Junior grand slam champions or the NCAA Champions...Thanks to all the dedicated coaches who have been working day in and out for years. I feel it time that players like you and some others have to step in and make a revolution in coaching and the administration.If we do not change the present system then even god cannot change the AITA.More over all the Tennis Associations in India including the AITA should understand that they are there because of the players and these people should stop acting as if they are doing a huge charity to the players by organizing the tournaments or by awarding the Wild Cards. Yes, am not talking about awarding the Wild Card for the same player in the same tournament for 7years in a row.We all know what it is. Please step in and make the change...I/we am/are with you.
Thanks for your comment,Harsha! Mahesh tried doing just that. With all his resources, it was and is, an uphill battle. Only when there is one motivated and knowledgeable leader can things improve there.
could you share websites or phone numbers regarding tennis training centers ? i want my 8 year old niece to join, any suggestions ?
Jayaram Prabhu- check out www.nirustennis.com
Post a Comment