Vece Paes back in Davis Cup fold

New Delhi - Despite being removed as the team doctor on the demand of Somdev Devvarman-led rebels, hockey Olympian Vece Paes was brought back in the Davis Cup fold on Saturday.

Paes, whose son Leander Paes is one of the mainstays of the Indian Davis Cup squad, heads the sports medicine division of AITA. He will now play a critical role in selecting the next medical support staff for the Davis Cup squad.

AITA secretary-general Bharat Oza told reporters Saturday that Paes’ experience is needed in the Davis Cup team.

“We feel Dr.Paes should be behind the team. He is already looking after the sports medicine department of the AITA. He will now also give his inputs in selecting the medical staff for the Davis Cup team,” said Oza.

One of the most significant climbdown by the AITA during the rebellion was to agree to the players suggestion to have a new professional team management.

Coach Nandan Bal, Paes and physio Sanjay Singh were removed while non-playing Davis Cup captain S.P.Misra was asked to continue.

Hurt with the players’ comments Misra resigned, but was persuaded to stay on by AITA for the South Korea tie that India lost 1-4. However, the tie against Indonesia in Bangalore from April 5-7 will be Misra’s last.

Meanwhile, the AITA will honour Ramanathan Krishnan, Ramesh Krishnan, Vijay Amritraj, Anand Amritraj and Mahesh Bhupahi during the Davis Cup tie in Bangalore.

AITA chief executive Hiranmoy Chatterjee said that Bhupathi has confirmed that he would be available for the event.