New Delhi: Somdev Devvarman did not let the nation down by giving India its first and only gold medal in the tennis event of the Commonwealth Games and chose the moment to send out the message to authorities that athletes get support and respect in the country.
The whole Davis Cup team had to revolt to get their dues cleared from the government before the start of the Games as they shot a letter to AITA threatening to pull out of the event.
Eventually they got it cleared though the Sports Ministry and All India Tennis Association got engaged in a blame game for the delay.
"I hope that gold medals are of some value in this country and they (government and tennis federation) start appreciating what athletes go through in one-on-one sport when so many people are watching. I hope that the country now start appreciating," Somdev said after his 6-4 6-2 win over fifth seed Australian Greg Jones.
Somdev fell short of words when asked about his first thoughts after the gold-medal winning feat.
"I am ecstatic. Can't say how I am feeling. It's been a long time that I won so many matches in row. It shows that I am getting better and better. Training is paying off. I am just super, super, super happy," he said.
"It was for the first time that I was playing for India in such a big tournament. It means a world. One of the best moments."
Asked if he was under pressure going into the match considering the fact that India had not won a single gold in tennis.
"To be honest, I did not think that much about that. My coaches told me that you have the opportunity. But honestly I was a bit anxious whole day and there were signs of nerves initially. And I am happy that I could do my bit for the country," he said.
Asked if he has enough funds, he said, "To be honest, I don't want to make excuses. That I don't have funds and that's why I am not been able to do things. I did not think that way."
The crowd support has been immense for the Indian players and Somdev acknowledged that.
"Unbelievable. They were there from the first to last point to the medal ceremony. Crowd helped a lot."
Tennis made its debut in the current edition of the Games but will not be part of the next essay in Glasgow.
Somdev said it was a shame.
"It's unfortunate and a shame that Commonwealth Games Federation will not have tennis. Look we had five gold medals on offer and it brought so many people to the stadium. I don't know the reasons but it's a shame. It's a mistake on their part," he said.
Talking about his opponent on Sunday, he said, "He had good results in the past one year, but he has under-achieved a bit. He has a lot of ability."
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