Taking exception to top Indian tennis players who were reluctant to compete in the recent Asian Games, the Sports Ministry on Wednesday said individual players will be able to avail grants from it only if they undertake to be available for India whenever called upon.
The Ministry's diktat comes after top tennis players such as men's No. 1 Somdev Devvarman, veteran leander Paes, and Rohan Bopanna refused to participate in the Incheon Asian Games, citing loss of rankings points on the ATP circuit. India were forced to send a second-string team to the mega-event because of this.
The Ministry had earlier issued instructions in this regard on July 18, 2013 to all recognised National Sports Federations (NSF). "It is again reiterated and made clear to all recognised NSFs that individual players will be able to avail grants given to them by the Ministry only if they undertake to play in the Indian team when called upon to do so without reservations," a Sports Ministry release stated.
The Sports Ministry release, however, did not name the players who opted out or showed reluctance to play for India at the Incheon Asiad.But it minced no words in making it clear that athletes, who decide not to take part in multi-disciplinary events where India participates for medals, will not be considered for funding from the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF).
"It was noticed, while finalising the Indian contingent for the Incheon Asian Games 2014, that senior and rank holding sportspersons of some sports disciplines decided to pull out, preferring to play in prize money tournaments instead of participating in the Asian Games giving the impression that such sportspersons do not take these sports competitions seriously.
"Multi-sports events are held once in four years and the nation takes pride in the number of medals won in these prestigious sports events," the release added.
AITA backs players
Hours later, the AITA sought to clarify the stand taken by three top tennis players, who had preferred ATP Tour over the Incheon Asian Games.
leading doubles exponent leander Paes, top singles player Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna had skipped the Asian Games to play on tour so that they could protect their rankings.
AITA issued a statement, saying that the players' stand was "misunderstood" by the government. "The three players represented India in the Davis Cup one week before the Asian Games and India lost a very close tie to the World Champions Serbia - this shows their commitment to the nation," All India Tennis Association (AITA) Secretary General Bharat Oza said.
"It has to be understood that it is essential for the players to have good ranking as otherwise they would not be able to represent the nation in Grand Slams, Davis Cup at appropriate ranking and Olympic Games," the statement added.
AITA argued the players actually sacrificed a lot of money, which they could’ve earned from the government by winning medals. "AITA is confident that the three players in question would’ve definitely won medals for the country and would have earned large cash rewards from the Central Government & State Government.