Paes backs IOA’s decision to appoint Sushil Kumar as India’s flag-bearer at London Olympics

Leander Paes has backed IOA’s decision to appoint Sushil Kumar as India’s flag-bearer at the London Olympics opening ceremony, saying that the Beijing bronze-medallist wrestler deserves the honour, says a report in Hindustan Times.

Shooter Abhinav Bindra, the country’s first individual gold medallist at the last Olympics, was reportedly the preferred candidate of the IOA but since his 10m air rifle event is scheduled three days after the opening ceremony on July 30, the shooter wanted to focus on his preparations. Similarly, boxer Vijender Singh’s weigh-in is scheduled for July 28, while Paes has already led the Indian contingent in the 2000 Sydney Games. Thus, the IOA decided that Sushil should do the honours this time.

“I have already been the flag bearer in the opening and closing ceremony. So I think it is really fair and I think that wrestler Sushil Kumar is well deserving of it,” Paes was quoted as saying by a TV channel.

Meanwhile according to a Bombay Times report, Leander said that being the country’s top player he should ideally have been given the option to choose your partner, but that didn’t happen. “Well that’s how it is supposed to be I think (laughs). I’ve always played for the country unconditionally, and if this is the team the selectors have chosen, then this is the team I will play with, and give it my very best. People ask me about choosing Vishnu Vardhan over others, but I didn’t choose anyone. I was told that All India Tennis Association (AITA) had their hands tied because of political and other pressure. Does it set a bad precedent for Indian sport? Yes, I think it does. AITA were quite clear in their statement that it was not purely a tennis decision. I don’t think I need to say more,” said Paes.

According to a report in The DNA, India’s tennis ace Leander Paes has said he knows what it takes to win an Olympic medal and will not distract himself by delving into people’s expectations, the negativities and the politics. Paes, who won the singles bronze medal in the 1996 Atlanta Games, said he would let his racquet do the talking.

When asked what he thinks about former Davis Cup captain Jaidip Mukerjea’s comments that his chances of winning a men’s doubles medal at the Olympics are very remote, Paes said he cannot deal with other’s opinions.  “I think everybody has his or her own opinions. I don’t deal with other people’s opinions. I know what it takes to win a medal. I know how much hard work it takes. I have won a medal before. So long story short, I don’t delve into people’s expectations, the negativities and the politics. I do what I do best which is to let my racquet do the talking,” Paes said.