India's CWG chief coach, Jaideep Mukerjea talks tough on the non-payment of dues issue

'Our players are not Federer or Nadal'

India's CWG chief coach, Jaideep Mukerjea talks tough on the non-payment of dues issue

The Indian tennis players' stand-off with the All India Tennis Association regarding non payment of dues is justified, but has come at a wrong time, believes chief coach of India's Commonwealth Games tennis squad, Jaideep Mukerjea.

"It's very unfortunate that such a thing has happened at this crucial juncture (less than 50 days before the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi). It's very sad because such issues can take its toll on players mentally," the former India Davis Cup skipper told MiD DAY yesterday. The former tennis ace stands by his players nevertheless.

"The issue has been pending for a long time though and sooner or later this was bound to happen. The players have been very patient so far. All they are asking is for the current players' entitlement of USD 115 per day for 75 days in a year for CWG preparations as per the government rules, be increased to 180 days. I don't think that's too much to ask for given what our boys have achieved on the international circuit," added Mukerjea.

Money is a very important aspect for Indian tennis players given the extensive travel the ATP Tour demands and Mukerjea feels the increased remuneration will only result in more laurels for the country. "Some of these players globetrot for 20 weeks in a year and it is a very expensive affair.

"Our players are no big shots like Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal and some financial assistance from the government is only apt and will in turn motivate them to work harder towards bringing more medals for the country. I'm expecting quite a few medals from this lot in the CWG," said Mukerjea.

Eventually, the players will get their dues, believes Mukerjea even as he convinced tennis fans across the country that it's highly unlikely that Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi will pull out from an event as huge as the CWG. "I'm sure the All India Tennis Association will take up the issue with the government in an appropriate manner and something positive will emerge in a few days. Meanwhile, I'd like to assure everyone that Leander, Mahesh, Rohan (Bopanna) and Somdev (Devvarman) are not the kind to hold the country to ransom. I've known Lee and Hesh ever since they played Davis Cup tennis under my captaincy.

"They are proud to play for India and would never let the nation down. Having said that, they do deserve their dues," he signed off.
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Former Davis Cupper Gaurav Natekar said, "Leander and Mahesh may be well off, but the money aspect becomes more important for players like Bopanna and Somdev. The players are justified in their demands. I don't think they will pull out from the CWG."

The Other Side
All India Tennis Association (AITA) secretary general Anil Khanna (above) says:
We have been bringing the issue to the government's notice for a long time. We also reminded the sports minister when he came to the AITA on July 11 to support the elite players. We hope the government will be sympathetic to the players and find a solution. We have fantastic players who have always put the country before themselves. I'm sure all our players will play in the Commonwealth Games and the Davis Cup.

Mystery for Hesh
We did send a letter with our concerns. I think that's our right!u00a0 How it got into the media's hands is a mystery. AITA is playing with FIRE.
-- Mahesh Bhupathi on Twitter