Sania Mirza Advocates for Athlete Representation in Sports Administration

Sania Mirza has praised the National Sports Governance Act for allowing athletes to take on administrative roles, emphasizing their unique understanding of the sport's challenges. She calls for a national training center to support tennis players in India, especially as the country prepares for the upcoming French Open. Mirza believes that while there is significant talent in India, more needs to be done to help players reach the Grand Slam level. Her insights highlight the urgent need for systemic changes in Indian tennis to enhance its global standing.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 22, 2026, 09:20 IST

Sania Mirza Supports National Sports Governance Act

Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza has expressed her support for the National Sports Governance Act, which facilitates the inclusion of distinguished athletes in sports administration roles. She emphasized that athletes possess a unique understanding of the challenges, dedication, and sacrifices involved in sports, and their presence in decision-making roles can significantly enhance the sport's development. Sania highlighted the urgent need for transformation, particularly in tennis, which has been lagging in global representation. "It's truly commendable. Athletes are aware of the struggles and commitments that fellow players endure, and having provisions that allow certain athletes to occupy influential positions for the advancement of the sport is beneficial," she remarked during a virtual discussion.

Call for a National Training Center

With the French Open 2026 approaching, Sania noted the absence of Indian contenders for the title, raising concerns about the country's ability to produce top-level players. She advocated for the establishment of a national training center akin to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where athletes can train, recover from injuries, and develop their skills. "I believe that the systems will evolve, particularly the coaching frameworks," stated the former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion in women's doubles. "It's crucial to have a national training facility. We previously had one, but did it meet the necessary standards? I'm not sure. Where do athletes go for training during their downtime? What support is available when they are injured? Is there a dedicated physiotherapy and medical team?" Sania remains optimistic about the talent pool in India, believing that emerging players will eventually excel in major tournaments. "There are promising talents; they just need to transition to competing at Grand Slam events," she concluded.