India in danger of low representation in tennis in Tokyo Olympics; AITA writes to ITF to consider Ankita
Ankita had won a bronze at the 2018 Asian Games, where the winner was assured of a Continental qualification place in the women’s singles draw at the Tokyo Olympics.
Wang Qiang had won the gold while her Chinese compatriot Zhang Shuai took silver at the Games held in Jakarta and Palembang.
As per the June 14 WTA rankings, both Zhang (world number 36) Shuai (world number 38) are eligible for direct entry. The ITF rules for the eligibility criteria state that athletes who achieve both a Continental Games qualification place and subsequently a Direct Acceptance ranking, will qualify using the Continental Qualification quota place.
As per the ITF rules, if the winner does not accept the quota or becomes ineligible for it, the Continental place can be given to the silver medallist and so on.
However, the AITA has written to the ITF that Ankita be considered for an entry so that the country can have representation at the Games in the singles event.
“We wrote to them about Ankita’s entry through the Continental route and they said they will let us know,” a senior AITA official told PTI.
