Email
Print
ShareNew Delhi: Indian fans may be keenly following the fortunes of their star players in doubles and mixed doubles events of various top tournaments including at Wimbledon, but Sports Minister MS Gill does not think highly of achievements in these competitions.
"Doubles are alright, mixed doubles are really just fun events," Gill said on the sidelines of the ITF Futures tournament final at the DLTA courts here on Saturday.
Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi have won several top tournaments over the years in both doubles and mixed doubles, partnering each other as well as others, while Sania Mirza has recently been enjoying success with Bhupathi as partner in mixed doubles.
"Singles are the real thing and Indians should be striving to achieve in competitions around the world in singles. Be the men's or women's tournaments, we should be aiming to win them," said Gill. "We have players like Yuki Bhambri who promise a good future for the game in the country and the government will help organise maximum tournaments to give exposure to players," said Gill.
Yuki wins
Meanhwhile, Yuki Bhambri won the final of the ITF Futures tennis tournament in Delhi. The Australian Open junior's champion beat Rohan Gajjar 6-2 7-6 (8) to win the title.
