New Delhi: Sumit Nagal has clarified the controversy surrounding his decision to pull out of India’s Davis Cup tie against Sweden last week, citing “injury concerns”.
India lost the tie 0-4 and Nagal’s absence raised questions, especially after the All India Tennis Association (AITA) claimed that despite his injury, Nagal was ready to participate in the upcoming ATP tournament in China.
In an Instagram post, Nagal clarified his stance, saying, “Representing your country is always a privilege and an honour that I hold in the highest regard. One of the most special achievements of my career was representing India at the Olympics. It was a difficult decision to withdraw from Davis Cup, as playing for the national team is a moment I cherish very much.”
Nagal also responded to AITA’s claims and said that he had already informed the association about his inability to participate in the bout.
“However, after consulting the medical team, it became clear that competing with the injury could not only jeopardise my health but also adversely impact the team’s chances.
The post read, “I believe it is better for the team and the country to have someone who is 100 per cent fit rather than risking further injury and causing disruption to the match. I had already informed AITA about my inability to participate.”
Nagal wrote, “Injury management in professional sports is a complex science. A few days of rest and targeted rehabilitation can make the difference between aggravating the injury and being fit to play again. I am working diligently with my tennis and medical team to ensure that I am in the best possible condition whenever I return to the court.”
Nagal also spoke on the issue of compensation after concerns were raised about his absence despite being listed for the tournament in China.
The post further read, “Regarding compensation, I would like to clarify that it is standard practice for athletes in professional sports to be compensated for participating in competitions, regardless of whether they are representing their country. This is not about personal gain. My discussions with the AITA and the Davis Cup captain are confidential and I do not wish to engage in any speculation about this.”
The Davis Cup tie against Sweden ended in a heavy defeat for India, with Nagal’s absence being a major talking point. “I am deeply committed to my country and will always give my best whenever I represent it. I look forward to future opportunities to wear the national colours and make my country proud both on and off the court. Thank you for your understanding and support.”
Image Credit: Khas-Khabar.