2016 Rio Games: Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi will not reunite in Olympics

New Delhi: The hope of seeing Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi reunite for the upcoming 2016 Rio Olympic games was dashed on Tuesday.

Earlier, it was reported that the legendary duo will get to play in the mega event thanks to widely prevalent wild-card system in tennis.

But, according to a report in the India Today, they will not be seen in action together at the men's doubles event in Brazil.

The president of the Asian Tennis Federation and the vice-president of the International Tennis Federation Anil Khanna has confirmed to the TV channel that Paes and Bhupathi will not be seen in action together at the Olympic games later this year as there are no wild cards available for this year's Tennis competition.

"Let me make it clear to you that there are no wild cards available this year. No national federation can apply for one. They have sent a letter to all countries on April 6," Khanna was quoted as saying by India Today.

Both Paes and Bhupathi cannot make it to the Olympics as individuals or as a team because of their rankings.

Paes can only play at the mega event by improving his ranking till the cut-off mark during the French Open. He also has to hope that Rohan Bopanna improves his ranking and enters the top 10. As a result, Bopanna can choose any partner. In that case, in spite of the grudge that Bopanna has, he will have to play with Paes at the Rio Olympics.

Regarded as one of the greatest men's doubles team, the Indian duo has a win-loss record of 303-103.

Also, a men's doubles team is crucial for India as only one member of that team can partner with Sania Mirza in the mixed doubles event at the games.