Indian Sports Ministry Intervenes, Seeks Explanation From AITA

The All India Tennis Assocation has been asked to explain the "raging controversy" concerning the selection of the country's men's doubles pairs for the London Olympics, according to the PRESS TRUST OF INDIA. Tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi wrote to India Sports Minister Ajay Maken saying he was "surprised" and "bemused" to be paired with tennis player Leander Paes "despite his reluctance." Player Rohan Bopanna also was "refusing to pair" with Paes. The sports ministry wrote "a six-point letter" to AITA President Anil Khanna and "sought explanation" by Tuesday. The letter "asked why AITA chose to select only one team when two teams can be sent to compete in next month's Olympics" (PTI, 6/18).