Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi Join AITA General Body as SOM Representatives

Indian tennis icons Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi have been elected as representatives of sportspersons of outstanding merit in the AITA General Body. This pivotal move marks their entry into the administrative side of tennis in India. With the AITA Executive Committee elections approaching, both players aim to secure influential roles in decision-making. The revised AITA constitution emphasizes the importance of former athletes in governance, reflecting broader reforms in national sports administration. The elections are set for November 27, promising to reshape the future of Indian tennis.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 5, 2026, 15:23 IST

Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi Elected to AITA

New Delhi, November 5: Renowned Indian tennis stars Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi have been appointed as representatives of sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOM) in the All India Tennis Association (AITA) General Body, marking their significant entry into the administrative realm of the national tennis federation.

Attention now turns to the upcoming AITA Executive Committee elections set for Thursday, where both Mirza and Bhupathi aim to secure their positions within the influential decision-making body.

The revised AITA constitution allows for four SOM representatives in its General Body, consisting of two men and two women. Additionally, one representative from each gender will be included in the 15-member Executive Committee.

This selection process is part of extensive governance reforms designed to enhance the representation of former athletes in the management of national sports federations, in accordance with the National Sports Governance Act and the National Sports Bodies Rules, 2026.

A total of 26 applications were submitted for the SOM roles, with 18 candidates in the men's category and eight in the women's category. Notable applicants included former Indian players and Davis Cup representatives such as two-time Grand Slam champion Rohan Bopanna, former Davis Cup captain Anand Amritraj, and Gaurav Natekar.

Bhupathi, who once held the title of doubles world number one, is celebrated as one of India's most accomplished tennis players, having clinched 12 Grand Slam titles throughout his career, including four in men's doubles and eight in mixed doubles. He also enjoyed a successful partnership with Leander Paes, with whom he won several Grand Slam titles.

Sania Mirza achieved the world number one ranking in women's doubles in 2015 and has six Grand Slam titles to her name, with three each in women's doubles and mixed doubles. She concluded her professional tennis career in February 2023.

The AITA elections are slated for November 27, and the inclusion of former players in its governing structure is anticipated to empower athletes with a more significant role in the administration of Indian tennis.