Dec 20: To compete in Olympics Bhupathi has to at least play for India once in 2007 or 2008 as per Olympic rules, whereas Bhupathi last played for India at the Doha Asiad. This indicates that the Indian fans might see the ‘Indian Express’ duo in action in the Davis Cup matches prior to Beijing Games.
Indian tennis ace and four-time Olympian Leander Paes is ready to pair his estranged partner Mahesh Bhupathi for next year's Beijing Games in quest of an elusive Olympic gold for India.
Paes said that it was his dream to win an Olympic gold for India and his teaming with Bhupathi would be the obvious choice for India. Paes and Bhupathi, former world No. 1 team, had finished fourth at 2004 Athens Olympics. They lost to Mario Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic in the bronze medal match.
Besides Olympics, he is also looking at World No. 1 ranking on the ATP Tour, teaming up with Australian Paul Hanley at major tournaments. The 30-year-old right-hander Australia’s Hanley will be Leander’s new doubles partner on the ATP Tour. The duo will start their ATP campaign with the 2008 Australian Open.
"I and Mahesh have played exceedingly well in the past and understand each other's game. It's our best bet and it won't be a problem for both of us to adjust again," said Paes while addressing the mediapersons during the unveiling ceremony of the Lenovo-designed Olympic torch "Cloud of Promise" alongwith long jumper Anju Bobby George here on Wednesday.
Paes also said that he had not yet any conversation with Bhupathi regarding pairing up for the forthcoming Olympics that take place in Beijing next August.
"Mahesh is recovering from a surgery. He should be given sufficient time to recuperate," he said.
However, four-time Olympian, hoped the Beijing edition would not be his last Olympics. “Beijing will be my fifth Olympic appearance. I had promised my father also an hockey Olympian Dr Vece Paes four, I will be adding one more to that figure.”
There is a big technical problem that comes in front of Mahesh Bhupathi, if he gets ready to team up with Leander Paes. Bhupathi has to play for India at least once in existing or preceding year prior to Olympics to take part in the quadrennial event,whereas Bhupathi last played for India at the Doha Asiad. That means he only has India’s Davis Cup ties in February or April to fulfill the eligibility criteria.
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