Indian tennis has been left reeling after the Sports Ministry excluded five players from the Asian Games squad, and it has created a controversial environment among the fans.
The Sports Ministry has cited a strict policy that only allows athletes ranked in Asia’s top eight to compete. The decision has also left tennis legend Rohan Bopanna in question. The 46-year-old lashed out at the All India Tennis Association (AITA) and the Sports Ministry after major changes were made to the country's tennis squad.
Five Indian tennis players dropped from Asian Games over controversial rule? Rohan Bopanna questions Sports Ministry
Bopanna said that he wants “to speak up for these tennis players who deserve better.”
Bopanna added:
“They didn't ask for mercy. They asked for a chance.”
The players left out are Sahaja Yamalapalli, WTA 344 and long-time India No.1, Vaishnavi Adkar, a recent W100 Bengaluru finalist, Manas Dhamne, world No.372 and among the world’s top under-19 players, Prarthana Thombare, who is India’s established doubles specialist, and Vaidehee Chaudhari, a two-time national champion.
Bopanna stated that the players have “earned their rankings the hard way. No shortcuts. No favors.”
The former tennis star added:
“They competed internationally, qualified, and proved where they stand.”
Bopanna, the former World No. 1 doubles player, further said:
"Now a committee that never stood where they stood has decided their fate on paper, before a ball is struck. If outcomes are already decided, why have qualification at all? Why rankings?"
Bopanna also urged letting the players showcase their skills on the tennis court instead of deciding their fate from a spreadsheet, which should not be the reason for them not being able to try for winning the medals.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Indian tennis community. Sahaja Yamalapalli expressed shock, noting that underdogs frequently produce upsets and medals, and questioning the point of competing only when already seeded. AITA Secretary General S.
Iyer said the association had tried to persuade authorities to include the selected players but was told the top-eight criterion applies uniformly across all sports. Fans of the move argue it prioritises realistic medal chances and efficient use of resources. The decision has reignited debate over whether rigid ranking cut-offs help or hinder the growth of Indian tennis on the continental stage.
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