Maken in favour of two teams, hints at Hesh-Bopanna pair

Maken also hinted that he would favour the pairing of Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna with Leander Paes teaming up with another player.

Maken said his ministry has written to the All India Tennis Federation to resolve the crisis by sending two teams in the London Olympics.

"If we are entitled to sending two teams why sending only one? If Sania Mirza gets a wild card (either singles or women's doubles) who will pair with her in the mixed doubles. We have to take into account that Bhupathi and Sania had recently won the French Open mixed doubles title," Maken said.

"We have to look into two things. One, as a layman I feel that if two players in a pair have developed a chemistry between them it would be advisable to have them in a team. Second, we have to see who Sania will pair up in the mixed doubles," he added.

Maken said his ministry as a matter of policy does not want to interfere in selection matters but he was forced to intervene as it involved national interest.

"As a minister, I don't want to interfere in selection matters of the federation. As a matter of policy, I am not in favour of politicians dictating terms on federations. But I am taking up the issue as a matter of national interest," said Maken.

"I have asked senior Sports Ministry officials not to write to AITA as instructions but as advice to them," he added. MORE