India's young star Sumit Nagal has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. Only a week before the Olympics, he has been given a place in the singles category draw. Although the country's other tennis star Yuki Bhambri was also given a place but AITA did not send his name due to his injury.
Sumit Nagal secured a place on the basis of his ranking after many players who were supposed to play in the men's singles event have withdrawn their names from the Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo. He is currently ranked 144th in the ATP rankings, but he is India's top-ranked player.
Sumit achieved his career-best ranking last year; he reached 122nd place in August.
India can field a team in mixed doubles as well after Nagal has qualified for the event. Apart from Nagal, Sania Mirza and Ankita Raina will also represent India in the women's doubles event at the Tokyo Olympics. According to the rules, Sania Mirza could choose any Indian from the top 300. Ankita Raina is ranked 95th in doubles and 183rd in singles. In such a situation, she was Sania's first choice. Nagal, 22, had briefly made it to the government's Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). In this scheme, financial assistance is provided to the players. However, he was later ousted from it.