India tennis ace Leander Paes won't be leaving Rio after his first-round 4-6, 6-7 (6-8) men's doubles defeat with Rohan Bopanna to Poland's Marcin Matkowski and Lukasz Kubot on Saturday
India tennis ace Leander Paes (left) chats with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. Pic/PTI
India tennis ace Leander Paes won't be leaving Rio after his first-round 4-6, 6-7 (6-8) men's doubles defeat with Rohan Bopanna to Poland's Marcin Matkowski and Lukasz Kubot on Saturday.
India tennis ace Leander Paes (left) chats with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. Pic/PTI
ADVERTISEMENT
"I've already planned my schedule for the next few days here in Rio. I will go around supporting my compatriots as they try to bring glory to the country across various sporting disciplines. The shooters, the hockey team… I'm backing every one of them to do well.
"Unfortunately, I couldn't succeed this time, but I'm happy to cheer for Rohan and Sania Mirza in the mixed doubles.
Medal hopes alive
"It's a 16-team draw, so two wins could take them within striking distance of a medal, which I think they are more than capable of winning," Paes told mid-day over the phone from Rio yesterday.
The former India Davis Cup captain said there was no shame in going down to a formidable Polish team.
"Looking at the doubles draw, we knew that were in for a tough one first-up. Marcin and Lukasz are no pushovers.
"They are regulars on the Tour and together form a very good doubles team. I won't be surprised if they go far in this tournament," Paes said.
On his personal milestone of having played seven Olympics for the country, Paes said: "I take pride in my longevity and contrary to what some critics felt, I was not here to simply participate.
Rohan and myself had planned our path and we expected to go deeper into the draw, but it wasn't to be. "It's been bittersweet experience nevertheless."
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
