The ministry intervened after Mahesh Bhupathi wrote to Sports Minister Ajay Maken, saying that AITA's decision has "surprised" and "bemused" him as he was paired with Paes despite his reluctance.
The ministry shot off a six-point letter to the All India Tennis Association (AITA) President Anil Khanna and sought explanation by tomorrow afternoon.
The letter asked why AITA chose to select only one team when two teams can be sent to compete in next month's Olympics.
"The government has been funding and supporting multi players to train and qualify for the Olympics. The justification of denying two players, who have qualified as a team on merit by sending just one Indian team, when India can send two teams?" the letter asked.
"With two days left for the deadline, would not AITA be sending Paes with a youngster to represent India, the aforesaid action of AITA is depriving India of sending another team to London Olympics, the reasons for this may be explained."
The letter asked AITA to explain why the combination of Bhupathi and Bopanna was being ignored by them.
It asked AITA why Bhupathi and Bopanna were not informed that only the number one player would be sent to represent India and the combined team ranking would be ignored.
"It is not clear as to why is AITA insisting on sending a team that has represented India in four previous Olympic Games, especially when the team of Leander and Mahesh have returned empty-handed each time and when both have openly voiced their concerns about playing together." MORE
