Will not beg for government funds for revolting players: AITA

As none of the eight revolting players has made himself available for Davis Cup selection, the AITA today said anyone who refuses to play for India will not be entitled for the financial support from the government.

The national tennis body has proposed to get Rs 15 lakh each for players featuring in top-200 in singles and Rs 12 lakh for those who get into the bracket of 201-300 through the Long term Development Plan (LTDP) from the government.

The figure is Rs eight lakh for players, who are ranked between 301-500 and aged below 28.

In the doubles, the figure is Rs seven lakh for players in top-50 and Rs four lakh for those featuring in 51-100.

"We are not going to beg for the funds for players who are not interested in doing national duty. They have brought the game to disrepute by their act despite that we addressed their concerns honestly," AITA CEO Hironmoy Chatterjee told PTI.

"The government is also watching what's happening. They are aware of it. We have been transparent in this issue. The players who want to play for India will get all the support," he added.

The AITA also felt that the young players would be the biggest losers in the ongoing controversy and advised them not to risk their India cap at this stage of their respective careers.

Yuki Bhambri is the highest ranked Indian players in singles at 237, followed by Sanam Singh (293). Vishnu Vardhan is 344 and Saketh Myneni is 385. In the doubles, apart from Leander Paes (3), Mahesh Bhupathi (11) and Rohan Bopanna (12) -- all feature in top-20 -- left-handed Divij Sharan is the fourth highest Indian at number 106.

Since tennis involves a lot of travelling and money to be in the circuit, it will be interesting to see if the players are willing to sacrifice this support.

... contd.

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