Rio Olympics 2016: Record maker Leander Paes 'not given a place to stay'

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 5: Trouble in Indian tennis camp seems to not end. Star player Leander Paes arrived in Rio de Janeiro yesterday (August 4) but was "slightly disappointed" with the treatment he has received at the Olympics.

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After days of speculation as to why 43-year-old Paes was yet to arrive in Brazil for the biggest sporting spectacle, the Indian legend finally made his way to Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. However, he was not given a place to stay in the Athletes Village. (When Bopanna dared to end Paes' dream)

Paes' mixed doubles partner Martina Hingis of Switzerland tweeted a picture of them after arriving in Rio de Janeiro.

"I am slightly disappointed that having played six Olympics for India, I haven't been given a place to stay. I was playing a tournament in New York and took the first flight on its completion. The match got over at 8 and took a 10.45 flight to Rio," Paes was quoted as saying by "The Times of India". (Paes-Bopanna face Polish pair)

Due to Paes' late arrival for Olympics, his doubles partner Rohan Bopanna had to train with foreign players.

There were reports that Paes had refused to share a room with Bopanna and hence he was not allotted a place in the Athletes Village.

According to team's non-playing captain and coach Zeeshan Ali, Paes never refused to stay with Bopanna in the Athletes Village.

goodbye @WashKastles, hello @Rio2016_en Olympics! @Leander pic.twitter.com/FuiFyulv5R

— Martina Hingis (@mhingis) August 4, 2016

"There have been speculations that Leander has complained that he doesn't want to share a room with Rohan (Bopanna), but there's no truth to it. I and the organisers were aware that he was to reach Rio on Thursday (August 4). Sure he will be low on time for the match on August 6, but he practiced on arriving will be ready for the match," Zeeshan said.

Before the team selection for Rio Games, there was controversy with Bopanna opting for a younger partner in Saketh Mayneni. However, All India Tennis Association (AITA) shot down his request and picked Paes, who will make a record 7th Olympics appearance.

Paes won a bronze medal in singles in Atlanta Olympics in 1996. This year's Games will be his last.

OneIndia News