Mahesh Bhupathi Advocates for Tennis Development in India
Call for a Structured Tennis Development System
In New Delhi, former Indian tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi has emphasized the necessity for a strong framework to enhance tennis in India. He pointed out that merely hosting international competitions would be ineffective unless Indian athletes can leverage these events to compete and excel on a global scale.
Bhupathi, alongside Sania Mirza, was recently elected to the All India Tennis Association (AITA) General Body as representatives of sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOM) and also secured a position on the Executive Committee.
In an interview, Bhupathi highlighted the importance of establishing a systematic approach to nurture Indian tennis talent. He argued that international tournaments would only hold significance if local players could utilize them to earn ranking points and achieve success internationally.
He stated, "Our country lacks a proper system, so we need to create one. If we do not have players who can thrive in major tournaments, what is the purpose of hosting so many? Tournaments are only advantageous if our players can win. For example, Leander and I clinched the Chennai Open five times, which was our first ATP title and opened doors for us globally. Sania also won her first WTA event in Hyderabad. Ultimately, these tournaments are valuable only if our players can take advantage of them and score points. Therefore, establishing a solid structure is essential."
Bhupathi, who reached the pinnacle of doubles tennis as a former world number one, boasts an impressive record of 12 Grand Slam titles, including four in men's doubles and eight in mixed doubles. His successful partnership with Leander Paes resulted in multiple Grand Slam victories.
In a related note, Leander Paes also voiced the necessity for the AITA to become more professional and to tackle administrative disarray. He advocated for increased investment in tennis throughout both rural and urban areas of India to cultivate emerging talent.
Paes remarked, "It is crucial to professionalize the All India Tennis Association. This is what athletes, players, and governance representatives have been requesting. However, with a sport as globally recognized as tennis, a fragmented association will not succeed. The financial resources required for tennis must reach all corners of rural India and metropolitan areas, providing opportunities for rural talent to develop their skills in urban centers."