Mahesh Bhupathi’s double fault?

The spat between All India Tennis Association and Mahesh Bhupathi has disappointed tennis fans across the nation. It all started when Bhupathi teamed up with Rohan Bopanna for London Olympics against the wishes of AITA. The federation responded by banning the duo. Amdavadis speak out on the conflict.

The overall image of sportsmanship has been dented. The players as well as the federation are guilty. Their differences should have been sorted out in the board room. They are getting very personal in public, which shouldn’t be encouraged.
- Abhishek Shah, secretary, Gujarat State billiards association

Had the players kept their egos aside during the Olympics selection, this situation would have never arisen. It is unfortunate, but luckily tennis is huge in the world of sports and its image will not get tarnished. There is nothing wrong in what the federation did.
- Jignesh Raval, tennis coach

Winning big titles doesn’t give you the right to throw your weight around. People in the federation kept to the national interest. Bhupathi’s behaviour is not acceptable as he is setting undue precedent. The whole episode was avoidable.
- BB Patil, SAG coach

Bhupathi and Bopanna should have shown more maturity. They didn’t think about the national interest. Had Bhupathi partnered with Paes, this situation could have been avoided and together they also could have won a medal!
- Shrimal Bhatt, tennis coach

When such things come out it shows the juvenile behaviour of both the players as well as the association. If they don’t resolve their differences, it will have an adverse impact on youngsters who performed exceptionally well against New Zealand in the Davis Cup.
- NJ Chaniyara, sports teacher

It’s a bad sign when players start dictating the terms. AITA decided on a team in the best interest of the country but Bhupathi was selfish. These players have become businessmen and it has changed their mentality too.
- Virendra Nanavati, Former IOA member