Rohan Bopanna hits out at Asian Games tennis-squad cuts

NEW DELHI: “Let sport decide, not a spreadsheet.” That was the sharp message from twotime Asian Games gold medallist Rohan Bopannaas the pruning of India’s tennis squad by the sports ministry for the Aichi-Nagoya Games triggered a fresh debate over selection policy.Bopanna backed five players who have been dropped from the 12-member list recommended by the All India Tennis Association (AITA), questioning the wisdom of deciding medal prospects before players have stepped on to the court.“If outcomes are already decided, why have qualifications at all? Why rankings?” he wrote on social media.The ministry-approved seven-member tennis contingent comprises Sumit Nagal and Dhakshineswar Suresh for men’s singles; Yuki Bhambri, N Sriram Balaji and Anirudh Chandrasekar for men’s doubles and Ankita Raina and Rutuja Bhosale for women’s doubles.There is no women’s singles representation.Importantly, the 2026 Asiad singles champions can earn an ITF quota place for the LA 2028 Games, subject to eligibility requirements. Not sending a singles specialist could hurt the nation’s Olympics chances.The omissions are Manas Dhamne, Vaishnavi Adkar, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaidehee Chaudhari and Prarthana Thombare.The ministry, however, has shown no inclination to revisit its decision.TOIsent a detailed questionnaire to the ministry, Sports Authority of India and TOPS division seeking a formal response to the Bopanna-led criticism. A response is awaited.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.