Mumbai: Leander Paes today said he is yet to get over ugly episode that marred Indian tennis in the lead up to the London Olympics and this is exactly the reason why he is keen to play the 2016 Rio Games.
"The last Olympics left a real sour taste in my mouth. That is something that is still there. That has been one of my biggest motivating factors to go to Rio. At the end of the day I can do what is within my control to make sure that I am ready," he told reporters on the sidelines of an event.
The build-up to the 2012 London Olympics was marred by a selection row as players resorted to bickering. A can of worms opened up when Mahesh Bhupathi refused to partner Leander Paes in the quadrennial event.
Both Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna refused to play with Paes and insisted on being paired together.
In a damage control exercise, the All India Tennis Federation paired Bhupathi with Bopanna and to appease Paes,they paired him with Sania Mirza for the mixed doubles.
AITA also nominated Paes, a bronze medalist in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics men's singles event, and Vishnu Vardhan for the men's doubles.
Paes, the oldest player to win a grand slam title, said he hopes the issues with the IOC are sorted out at the earliest so that Indian athletes can represent their country in international events.
"Indian sports is at a cross roads at the moment. Right now, we will still be representing under the IOC flag.
Firstly, I hope, that is lifted. I hope that we perform under our own flag and perform for our own people. The Olympics is still three years away but for me it is to make sure that I am ready. Make sure that I am in the best playing condition
health-wise, physically, with my game, with my form when we get closer to the Olympics," he said.
The 40-year old said he is looking forward to play in the World Championship next as it is the only trophy which has eluded him.
