What is AITA doing for players? asks Yuki Bhambri

India registered a spectacular Davis Cup win over visiting team of New Zealand. Singles performances by Ramkumar Ramanathan and Yuki Bhambri were the key factors in this triumph.

Bhambri might be happy with the win but he is definitely miffed with the workings of All India Tennis Association (AITA).

"It's not what they (AITA) can do. It's whether they have the desire to do," said Bhambri.

Lashing out at the federation, India's preeminent singles player said, "Everyone has come up by training by themselves and not because of a system. That's why we have one singles player coming up every ten years. The question is if they are willing or passionate enough or have the desire to do something about the next generation of Indian tennis. Do they want to see Indian tennis on the world map or not?"

Bhambri also pointed out that the federation needs to have the desire to supply young players with money and other resources like a travelling coach or a trainer.

He talked about organising Challenger events in India. Events like the Futures, ATP tour, and Challengers help players earn ranking points. India had none of these events played in 2016. Therefore travelling abroad with limited funding becomes necessary for the players. Bhambri said that when India organised these events in 2013, Indian players made it the finals of each of them. "It is apparent that if you host a tournament, the players are there to perform," said Bhambri.

Bhambri also asked if badminton association and BCCI are investing on their respective sportspersons, why AITA is not doing the same? "What are they really doing for the players?" asks Bhambri.