New Delhi: Yuki Bhambri is aghast at being excluded from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) after preferring the US Open over Asian Games even as a red-faced All India Tennis Association (AITA) said it is trying to convince the sports ministry to reconsider its decision.
AITA had exempted the country’s top singles player from the Asiad as playing at the Grand Slams is crucial to secure ranking points, which would earn the Delhi player a direct entry into the Tokyo Olympics.
“We have asked the government to reconsider the decision and include both Yuki and Leander Paes in TOPS scheme. We told them that Yuki needs to be in top 64 to earn direct qualification for Tokyo Olympics and that’s why playing at the US Open is important,” AITA secretary Hironmoy Chatterjee told this agency Friday. “They told us that when Yuki gets back to playing Davis Cup, his case would be re-examined,” he added.
Irrespective of whether I am in the TOPS or not, I will continue working to be the best player I can be and make India proud in the tennis fraternity
Yuki Bhambri
An appearance at the US Open would secure Yuki a minimum prize purse of USD 50,000 (approx Rs 33 lakh). If Yuki manages to go beyond the first round, the prize money will also go up. Yuki had bowed out with first round losses at the Australian Open (AUD 60,000) and French Open (Euro 40,000). Even if he loses at the same stage at Wimbledon (30,000 pounds) and US Open, it would give him enough money to travel with his Australian coach Stephen Koon and a physio for the whole year.
Ever since Yuki turned pro, he has never had a consistent sponsor who would take away his travel and equipment worries. He is employed with ONGC and draws a salary from there.
“I thought I was doing the right thing according to what the aim of TOPS committee is – to compete and be a medal prospect for India in the Olympics in two years’ time. Challenging myself against the best in the world at the US Open is the best way to prepare for that,” pointed out Yuki .