Press Statement by Rohan Bopanna
June 18 2012, London:
Over the weekend, I was approached by the AITA with a request to pair
with Leander Paes as the AITA's 'second choice' team to represent India
at the Games of the XXX Olympiad. While I was apparently the partner of
choice for all other concerned parties, I was told that the AITA's
original decision to exclude me and overlook my pairing with Mahesh
Bhupathi was a 'unanimous' one, given that the Olympics needed 'veteran
champions' to compete at that level. The irony of this situation was not
lost on me.
With all respect and humility, I have been unable
to accept AITA's offer and have communicated my decision to them in
writing this morning. Given the public nature of this personal decision,
I felt it was important for me to share my perspective.
I have
always dreamt of representing India at the Olympics, and I have worked
diligently throughout my career overcoming numerous obstacles. In every
athlete's career, there are a number of junctures where one feels
extremely conflicted and unsure whether one is making the right choice.
My decision today is not one of them.
In October 2011, I
broke up an extremely successful partnership with Aisam Qureshi as I
believed that Olympics preparedness required hard work and understanding
between partners and the numerous little adjustments that make a team
work. This was the toughest professional decision I have taken, as it
signified an end to a great partnership and jeopardised a close
friendship that was built over many years of struggle and, ultimately,
success on the ATP Tour.
Having
been ranked No. 8 in the world last year, I could have taken a far
easier route to Olympics qualification - if that was my only goal - by
continuing my existing partnership and aiming for a personal top-10
ranking. However, I am an athlete who believes that outcomes are a
product of process and preparation. I also believe that successful
partnerships of every sort require investment of time and emotions
through the ups and downs, and that sporting partnerships are no
different.
Since the beginning of the year, I have partnered with Mahesh Bhupathi
towards playing together as at team at the Olympics. This was
communicated to the AITA at every step and we were encouraged to
continue to play together. Having played alongside Leander Paes only
twice during my career, I recognise that as a team we are underprepared
for the demands of the Olympics and, in good faith, I could not accept
AITA's offer that we play together.
I
understand that many might find this decision difficult to comprehend.
However, my professional integrity will not permit me to make this
compromise. I owe this to the partners I have played with in the past,
Mahesh Bhupathi who I currently play with and those I will partner in
the future. I will still be able to look each of them in the eye.
I believe we are nothing but the product of our choices.
- END-
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