Kalmadi asks Mahesh, Leander and Khanna to settle issue

New Delhi, Oct 4 (UNI) The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) today stepped in to effect a patch up between tennis stars Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes and quickly end the uncertainty over the composition of the national team for the Asian Games to be held in Doha, Qatar, from December 1.

IOA chief Suresh Kalmadi has taken up the issue with the players and All India Tennis Association (AITA) secretary Anil Khanna in the ''intrest of the Games and Country'' and keeping in view the forthcoming international events including the Asian Games.

''I have spoken to all the three concerned -- Anil Khanna, Mahesh and Leander. They were all co-operative and promised to resolve the issue as it is a matter of national prestige,'' Kalmadi said.

Requesting all the three to work out the matter in the larger national interest, Mr Kalmadi said, ''Mahesh (Bhupathi) is very vital to India's challenge at the Asian Games and as a senior member we want his presence in the squad to boost our medals tally in the continental event.'' ''World-class stars like Mahesh and Leander (Paes) are an integral part of our contingent.'' ''India will be hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and tennis is going to be included at our request in the programme. So, we need to present our best challenge in Doha and Beijing,'' he added.

According to the entries sent for Asian Games, Mahesh is set to play men's doubles with Leander and will partner Shikha Uberoi in mixed doubles. Leander pairs with Sania Mirza in mixed doubles.

Mahesh and Leander also have a chance of contending for a medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

''They were unlucky to miss the medal at Athens Olympics but I am sure they are capable of striking a medal at Beijing. The two have done so much service for Indian sport and my appeal to them is to play together for the sake of the country,'' Mr Kalmadi said.

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