It's all out war between Mahesh Bhupathi and the All India Tennis Association (AITA). Lashing out at AITA after its ban, Bhupathi accused it of a personal vendetta against him and of playing divide and rule to destroy Indian tennis.
In a press conference in Mumbai, Bhupathi was very critical of the tennis association for being "dictatorial". Lambasting the president of the tennis association, Anil Khanna, Bhupathi said he was only interested in controlling the sport and not in promoting talent. Bhupathi said he was also considering legally challenging the two- year ban on him.
Here are snippets from Bhupathi's tirade against Khanna
"Khanna has redefined the term divide and rule. The AITA and its dictatorial attitude, and its administration are harmful for the future of Indian tennis."
"My being termed a dictator is unacceptable to me. I don't know if we can do anything, but there is no option not to accept the ban. We will definitely pursue a legal route. (My) lawyers are deciding the course of action, can't say much now."
"He has redefined the term divide and rule and at this year's Olympics he used Leander's shoulder to fire the gun against me multiple times. Unfortunately the media terms this a Bhupathi-Paes rift and the true underbelly is left unquestioned."
"Leander is not to be blamed for this. He is playing the part of a professional tennis player and he wants to do the best he can do for himself. It is no secret that who should have been the right choice for mixed doubles in the Olympics based on past performance."
Twitter buzz
Funny Bombay Girl @LoKrLoBaat
Now Mahesh Bhupathi bans AITA for lifetime.
ZENIA D'CUNHA @ZENIADCUNHA
Mahesh Bhupathi, you had long since lost my respect. And after this press conference you have lost whatever little credibility you had left.
Suresh En @surnell
Why is @MaheshBhupathi flaunting that "Cross" on this chain quite so often in the presser? #MinorityCard?
Madhavan Narayanan @madversity
I think Lalit Modi will now start his own 20-20 tennis with Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. He has a new board to fight with.
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