India's top singles player Somdev Devvarman's decision to concentrate on the ATP tour at the expense of the upcoming Asian Games has come under sharp criticism from the All India Tennis Federation.
"It is not a correct decision and a disappointing one. Somdev said the Federation did not ask for his availability before naming the Asian Games squad. We said that since he is the country's number one player, he was expected to play. We said at least play the team event but he was adamant," a peeved AITA general secretary Bharat Oza said on Wednesday.
"We tried our best. But what to do, what alternative do we have?," Oza sounded helpless.
Somdev, who won two gold medals at last edition of the Asian Games in Gunagzhou, wants to improve his ranking having slipped to 143 following a prolonged poor run.
Somdev will lead India's challenge in the Davis Cup to be held from September 12-14 in Bangalore and the Asian Games is scheduled to begin five days after the World Group play-off tie.
"We had discussion with Anand and Zeeshan Ali (coach) and felt we have a chance in the team event. We can't do anything but the government expects the top players to play. We can't force, we can only request. We even informed him that we will be answerable to the government, which may take objection to it," Oza said.
Divij Sharan to replace Somdev
Oza, the new Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association President, also said, they cannot think of taking any disciplinary action.
"Tennis is an individual game. They do not play under the national federation. We also understand that playing on the ATP Tour is their bread and butter. So what can we do? The only thing we have in hand is Davis Cup selection.
Asked if the players were still getting financial help from the government, Oza said, "We present details to the government every year before the budget for helping players, spelling out their travel and coaching requirements but the tennis players have not got anything after 2010 Games," Oza said.
AITA also said that reserve player Divij Sharan will replace Somdev in the squad.
"Divij can play in the mixed doubles. It will be good for him. Sometime back, he was in the top 100, we want to give him recognition, that is why we had selected him."
Asked if it would have been better to select a singles player in place of Somdev, Oza said Yuki Bhambri, Saketh Myneni and Sanam Singh are all good enough to handle singles.
