AITA on a collision course – 2 years ban on Bhupathi and Bopanna

All India Tennis Association (AITA) seems to be on a collision course with the tennis duo of Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna. The tennis fraternity seems to be in a state of shock and is reacting with caution.

Wrong timing

The ruling comes at a time when Indian youngsters are impressing the selectors with their impressive performance in the Davis cup. A ruling of such magnitude banning the leading Indian stars from playing for two years will have a demoralizing effect on the youngsters in Indian tennis squad and is bound to affect their performance.

The effect

The ruling means that Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna will not be able to represent India for the next two years in any form of the game. The judgement is bound to have a detrimental effect on these players, particularly Mahesh Bhupathi who might take voluntary retirement from the game during the course of these two years.

Action on disciplinary grounds

All India Tennis Association (AITA) has justified the action taken against the two players. The problem arose at London Olympics where AITA had decided to pair Mahesh Bhupathi with Leander Peas but Bhupathi refused to play with Leander. Following this confusion, All India Tennis Association (AITA) had to reschedule the playing combination. Eventually two teams were send to the competition with Leander pairing with Vishnu Vardhan. Similarly Rohan also refused to play with Leander and Mahesh and Rohan were paired.

Bouncing back

However, Mahesh and Rohan did not take the judgement lightly and filed a petition before Karnataka High Court. Justice Mohan Shanthanagoudar has announced a interim stay on the judgement pronounced by All India Tennis Association and has asked the All India Tennis Association to reply.

A sad state of affairs, the current controversy highlights the prevailing situation in Indian tennis and constructive initiatives need to be initiated to bring the house in order soon.

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