The Hindu : Sport / Tennis : ‘India has a medal chance at Beijing’

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Sunday, Dec 23, 2007
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‘India has a medal chance at Beijing’

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj firmly believes that at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games tennis event, India has a chance of winning medals in the women’s singles and men’s doubles.

“I believe we have a shot in both. In Sania’s case, it is a case of getting a lucky draw. She is doing well in her second year on the women’s circuit. She is not resting on her laurels and is working hard,” said Amritraj, who is in Mumbai to interact with kids as part of the Good Earth Super Series junior tennis tournament’s ‘Fungama Day.’

The grand prize for winners includes a full-paid three-week training programme in France, followed by tournaments across Europe.

Formidable force

Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, a formidable doubles force, Amritraj asserts, have to put everything aside when India’s interest is concerned. “There is no choice for them but to play the doubles at Beijing, unless they are hurt (injured). The country comes first, so they have to put their minds to it,” said Vijay, at a media interaction.

Vijay touching upon the on-court understanding between Leander and Mahesh said, “They have a good rapport on court, both move in the right areas and have played enough together to know what it takes to perform.”

“Leander and Mahesh are role models for the next generation of youngsters, so they have to play together and do well. Not only will India benefit, they also end up benefiting themselves by earning tons of money.”

Doubles play strengthens friendship between players of different character.

“It may be a little difficult between brothers, since there is always some sort of a sibling rivalry, compared to individuals pairing up. Anand (Amritraj) and me were totally different people, but at the end of the day we became close friends,” said Vijay.

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