So finally, Leander Paes has put an end to the on-going Indian tennis fracas by agreeing to partner Vishnu Vardhan. But then that does not put an end to the agony that the sport in the country is going through. Paes, who has made the ‘sacrifice’ and ‘agreed’ to mentor a much lower ranked player than him, is not concerned about his inexperience but is more worried whether Vishnu has proper shoes to be able to play on grass.

So has Paes taken the onus to find appropriate playing shoes for his partner upon himself? If so, it’s inspiring indeed! That should help Vishnu before the Olympics a lot. A youngster, who idolised Leander Paes since he started playing tennis, would have got a lot of boost and encouragement by hearing such words from his illustrated senior and would now be ready to set the Olympics ablaze with his skills.

On a serious note the comment was derogatory, coming from someone like the stature of Paes who is being idolized by many in the country. It was highly unexpected and is very humiliating for a player who got a life time opportunity to team up his idol at the grandest event of all “The Olympics”.

Now the bigger question in picture is what effect it would have on Vishnu or as a matter of fact any upcoming player. Vishnu has refrained from commenting on it and has maintained that he is happy that Paes has agreed to partner with him.

On one hand Paes maintained that he would not kill Vishnu’s dream of playing at the Olympics which projects him to be a real hero and on the other hand he says something disgraceful like possessing the ‘grass court shoes’. Even though Vishnu is tight-lipped about the whole incident, going by human nature, he must have been extremely hurt by this and now how they gel as a team in the Olympics would be a thing to see.

How would Paes even look into his eyes after he has said that or how Vishnu would keep everything aside and concentrate on the mega event is a big question? Paes has been the ambassador to Indian tennis and an Olympic medallist and hurtful comment like this from a person of such high repute, does set a bad precedent.

Forget Vishnu as he already is a part of something big now and hopefully would be able to forget all that and concentrate on his game in the forthcoming Olympics, but then what about other players in the foray. Will they, after this incident, want to pair with their illustrated seniors, knowing that it does not take them a second thought before saying something disgraceful? The juniors would any day feel intimidated and might think twice before playing with them. What Paes has done is that he has not only spoiled his image before his juniors, but has also instilled in a fear psychosis amongst them.

The upcoming players, who once idolised these tennis stars and were tempted to hold the racquet after seeing them bring glory to the nation, may be dissuaded to go away from the game after seeing this Indian tennis fracas in the last 15 days and hearing such demoralising and insulting comments from their seniors. Paes should have shown more responsibility and being the best player in the country should have set a better example.

By Samikshan Dutta Choudhury
Indian Sports News Network