The Hindu : Leander to play in Asian Games

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Aug 19, 2002

Sport

Sport - Tennis

Leander to play in Asian Games

NEW DELHI AUG. 18. India's chances of winning gold medals in the Asian Games in Busan have been strengthened by the confirmation of Leander Paes to spearhead the country's tennis challenge.

India will have a realistic chance of winning the doubles gold, and can possibly aim at getting the men's team gold as well, if Leander and Mahesh Bhupathi join hands.

"Leander likes to play for the country, and with the renewed cash awards for the medals, he has an added incentive'', said Leander's father, Dr. Vece Paes, here on Sunday.

Tennis was a big hope for India in the Sydney Olympics, and it will be up to Leander and Mahesh, with support from the rest of the team members, to compensate for the Olympic disappointment, when the duo lost in the second round to the Woodies, Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge.

Meanwhile, with Nirupama Vaidyanathan out of the reckoning following her recent marriage, it will be difficult for Manisha Malhotra and company to make a positive impact of Indian women's tennis in the Asian Games. However, there can be some hope in doubles there as well.

Moreover, there will be mixed doubles in Asian Games, providing more scope for medals for the Indian contingent.

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