Setback for Mahesh Bhupathi as Ajay Maken does a U-turn

Is it the end of the road for Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna?

After a two-hour meeting between the officials of All India Tennis Association (AITA) and sports ministry on Tuesday, that seemed to be the likely emerging scenario.

Sports minister Ajay Maken, after publicly questioning AITA for not picking two teams for the Olympics, refused to interfere in the matters of selection. The minister’s U-turn came as a setback of sorts for Bhupathi as he was banking on Maken to prevail over AITA to change its selection criteria.

“The sports ministry leaves it to AITA to exercise any of the options in the best of national interest. Whatever needs to be done in the best of national interest, I have asked AITA to do and whenever it needs our help, we will do that and speak to players if they need to be spoken to. I hope that everyone works in national interest,” Maken said.

Bhupathi is now left with the options of either falling in line with AITA or risk a ban from national duties. Sources in the Bhupathi camp now say he would not budge from his stated position. Bhupathi has reportedly reiterated his stand of not pairing up with Paes come what may. “There is no possibility of a U-turn now. Let AITA take a dictatorial decision to keep its blue-eyed boy happy,” said a source close to Bhupathi.

The sports minister’s U-turn was a moral victory of sorts for AITA which stuck to its position. “The selection committee has already decided that the No 1 player, which is Paes, should partner Bhupathi who is India’s No 3 right now. And in case Bhupathideclines, then Paes should partner with Bopanna,” Anil Khanna, AITA president, said.

He was categorical that the AITA wanted to take into consideration Paes’ sentiments. “And it is also felt that sentiments of Leander have to be kept in mind,” Khanna said. “We have only three eminent doubles players and only two out of the three can go. We will go and talk to them once again and see what we need to do,” Khanna said. What was, however, not stated was the likely action Bhupathi and Bopanna face if they don’t fall in line. Both could be banned from national duties.

The high drama started after Bhupathi wrote to Maken seeking his interference in AITA’s decision to send only one team to London when India is entitled for two.

AITA, in its reply, put the ball back in the ministry’s court, asking them to solve the problem if it could. AITA gave the ministry five options and said “It would be an insult to Paes, India’s No 1 doubles player, if he is not given the best partner available.”

Tuesday’s developments could also affect India’s chances in mixed doubles in London if AITA manages a wild card for Sania Mirza. If Bhupathi were to be left out in the squad for London, Saina would have to play mixed doubles with Paes. Bhupathi and Sania recently won the French Open title.

AITA said it would again approach Bhupathi and Bopanna to pair with Paes, with first choice again being Bhupathi.