Chennai: Non-punctuality is not a new thing for traffic-hit Bengalureans. However, it may not be taken lightly by everyone especially from the western world. The same case applied even to Swedish tennis legend Bjorn Borg. When an event to felicitate him ran late by 1 and a half hours after Karnataka CM Bommai turned up late, Bjorn Borg decided to decline the felicitation.
On Wednesday, the Swedish legend was in Bengaluru to attend his son Leo Borg’s match. Leo had a wildcard entry for the main draw in Bengaluru Open ATP Challenger.
On the same day, Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association also organised a function to felicitate the legend. Though the event was scheduled for 9.30 am, it did not start till 10 am.
According to Deccan Herald, the organisers postponed the event to 10.15 am to accommodate Bommai. Yet, Bommai was still unable to make it till 11 am.
As a result, Borg decided to decline the felicitation to watch his son play his first round at 11 am elsewhere.
Later, the CM Bommai who arrived at 11.15 am was informed about the matter. The CM then decided to spend 15 minutes to watch another match in the venue.
Sunil Yajaman, KSLTA Joint Secretary told The Indian Express that the CM couldn't make it on time due to other commitments. The CM was also scheduled to visit HAL Airport after the event t KSLTA.
Yajaman said that the CM took it sportively when he was informed that the felicitation was called off. However, the issue has been blown out of proportion, said Sunil Yajaman.
Borg was playing Tennis actively between 1974 and 1981. He was the first man in Open Era to bag 11 Grand Slam singles with six French Open and five consecutive Wimbledon crowns.