By IANS
New Delhi : The All India Tennis Association (AITA) wants Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi to play in the Beijing Olympics, and will also request the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to provide India a wild card entry in the women’s doubles.
At its executive committee meeting in New Delhi February 28, the AITA “unanimously” felt that Paes and Bhupathi would be a formidable doubles pair and have a good chance of winning a medal. It wants the duo to play in some ATP Tour events before going to Beijing.
AITA in a press release Monday stated that Sania Mirza would automatically qualify for the singles but it also wants an Indian doubles team to play in the Olympics. For that, it has been decided to approach ITF for a doubles berth.
The AITA has lauded Sania’s commitment at the Fed Cup and appreciated her presence in Bangkok with the team despite nursing an injury. She has played in the crucial doubles against Hong Kong to help India stay in the Asia-Oceania Group I.
“In view of her exemplary commitment,” AITA said, “India is hoping that the 2009 Fed Cup would be allotted to India.