Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi Elected to AITA General Body

Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi Join AITA General Body

Renowned Indian tennis stars Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi have been appointed to the All India Tennis Association (AITA) General Body, representing sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOM). This marks their entry into the administrative framework of the national tennis federation. The upcoming AITA Executive Committee elections, set for Thursday, will be crucial as both athletes aim to gain a foothold in the decision-making body.

Governance Reforms and Selection Process

The revised AITA constitution allows for four SOM representatives in its General Body, consisting of two men and two women. Additionally, two representatives, one from each gender, will join 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, as outlined in the National Sports Governance Act and the National Sports Bodies Rules, 2026.

Candidate Applications and Notable Figures

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 include 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.

Career Achievements of New Representatives

Mahesh Bhupathi, a former world number one in doubles, is celebrated as one of India's most accomplished tennis players, having secured 12 Grand Slam titles throughout his career—four in men's doubles and eight in mixed doubles. He is well-known for his successful partnership with Leander Paes, with whom he won several Grand Slam titles. Sania Mirza, who achieved the world number one ranking in women's doubles in 2015, has six Grand Slam titles to her name, three each in women's doubles and mixed doubles. She concluded her professional tennis career in February 2023.

Upcoming AITA Elections

The AITA elections are scheduled for November 27, and the inclusion of former players in its governing body is anticipated to empower athletes in the administration of Indian tennis.