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Bopanna-Nagal pair’s entry was never accepted for Tokyo

Bopanna alleges All India Tennis Association misled everyone on their participation

By N Jagannath Das

Updated On - 20 July 2021, 12:18 AM

Bopanna-Nagal pair’s entry was never accepted for Tokyo — Rohan Bopanna and Sumit Nagal

Hyderabad: Top doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna, in a shocking revelation, tweeted that All India Tennis Association (AITA) has misled everyone, including players, government and media, regarding his entry into Tokyo Olympics.

As per the tweet of Bopanna, the International Tennis Federation never accepted Sumit Nagal and Bopanna’s entries for the Tokyo Olympics. “ITF was clear that no changes were allowed after the nomination deadline (22nd June) unless Injury/Illness. AITA has misled the players, government, media and everyone else by stating we still have a chance,’’ he posted on social media.

ITF has never accepted an entry for Sumit Nagal & myself.
ITF was clear that no changes were allowed after the nomination deadline (22nd June) unless Injury/Illness.
AITA has mislead the players,government, media and everyone else by stating we still have a chance. @AnurajR1

— Rohan Bopanna (@rohanbopanna) July 19, 2021

Two days ago, AITA said Nagal had qualified after some withdrawals in men’s singles. And it said it was pushing for his pairing up with Bopanna. But, according to Bopanna, it was not so. However, AITA hit back at Bopanna by saying that it only tried to help him since he could not qualify on his own.

Sania Mirza, who will play her fourth Olympics by participating in the women’s doubles with Ankita Raina, was shocked at the news. Sania was expecting Bopanna to qualify and the two could have played in the mixed doubles events. They had good chance given the recent results in Wimbledon.

Lambasting the tennis authorities concerned, Sania said it is absolutely ridiculous and shameful. She added that India sacrificed a very good shot at a medal in the mixed doubles.

“Whaaattt??? If this is true then it’s absolutely ridiculous and shameful..by this it also means that we have sacrificed a very good shot at a medal in the mixed doubles if you and I would have played as planned. We were both told that your and Sumit’s names hav been given,’’ she Tweeted.

Whaaattt???If this is true then it’s absolutely ridiculous and shameful..by this it also means that we have sacrificed a very good shot at a medal in the mixed doubles if you and I would have played as planned. We were both told that you and sumit’s names hav been given .. https://t.co/h3fGkK0im8

— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) July 19, 2021