Technoglitch
Core Member
One of the longest running soap operas in Indian sports could have a new chapter come August. It should not be a surprise if tennis aces Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi sing the national anthem together and compete in the men's doubles event at the Rio Olympics as the friends-turned-foes have patched up.
Sample this: Leander turns 43 in June and Mahesh 42. At a combined age of 85, if they step on the hard courts at Rio, they will be carrying the expectations of a billion people.
There will be hope and hype, once again. Just that, for the two men who have slowed down over the years, they will try to resuscitate their chemistry after four previous attempts from 1996 to 2008 in the Olympics did not bear fruit.
Having won a bronze medal in singles at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Leander slowly switched to doubles. He has craved another medal, through doubles. But bickering, mistrust and lack of cohesive practice with partner Mahesh dashed his chances.
In 2012, the previous edition, Leander did not want to play with Mahesh and the feeling was mutual. The result was the two had different partners and flopped miserably.
In sport as in life, four years is a long time. Leander has slipped down the ranking charts and is now at 59. This position will not guarantee him a doubles entry, so the All India Tennis Association (AITA), the parent body which controls tennis in the country, will apply for a wild card for him.
Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi may reunite for Rio Olympics : Mail Today, News - India Today
Sample this: Leander turns 43 in June and Mahesh 42. At a combined age of 85, if they step on the hard courts at Rio, they will be carrying the expectations of a billion people.
There will be hope and hype, once again. Just that, for the two men who have slowed down over the years, they will try to resuscitate their chemistry after four previous attempts from 1996 to 2008 in the Olympics did not bear fruit.
Having won a bronze medal in singles at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Leander slowly switched to doubles. He has craved another medal, through doubles. But bickering, mistrust and lack of cohesive practice with partner Mahesh dashed his chances.
In 2012, the previous edition, Leander did not want to play with Mahesh and the feeling was mutual. The result was the two had different partners and flopped miserably.
In sport as in life, four years is a long time. Leander has slipped down the ranking charts and is now at 59. This position will not guarantee him a doubles entry, so the All India Tennis Association (AITA), the parent body which controls tennis in the country, will apply for a wild card for him.
Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi may reunite for Rio Olympics : Mail Today, News - India Today
