Bhupathi Demands Structured System for Indian Tennis After AITA Entry
Tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi calls for a structured system to develop Indian players after joining the AITA Executive Committee.
Tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi has sounded a clarion call for the creation of a robust and structured system to develop tennis talent in India. The former world number one made these remarks shortly after being elected to the All India Tennis Association (AITA) Executive Committee on Thursday.
Bhupathi, along with fellow tennis icon Sania Mirza, was first elected to the AITA General Body as representatives of sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOM). Following this, both were elected to the association's Executive Committee, positioning them to influence the future of the sport in the country.
Tournaments Alone Aren't Enough
While India frequently hosts international tennis events, Bhupathi believes that these tournaments lack true value if domestic players are not equipped to succeed in them. He emphasized that the primary goal should be building a framework that allows Indian athletes to capitalize on home-soil opportunities to climb the global rankings.
"There is no system in our country, so we have to build a system, a structure... If we don’t have players capable of succeeding in major tournaments, then what is the point of hosting so many of them?" Bhupathi stated.
Drawing from his own illustrious career, Bhupathi recalled how local victories served as springboards for international success. He noted that winning the Chennai Open five times with Leander Paes provided their first ATP title and acted as a gateway to the world stage. Similarly, he pointed out that Sania Mirza secured her first WTA event victory in Hyderabad.
According to Bhupathi, the ultimate value of hosting international events lies in whether local players can earn critical ranking points and achieve global success.
Leander Paes Calls for Professionalism and Outreach
Adding to the call for reform, former Indian star Leander Paes highlighted the urgent need to professionalize the AITA. Paes argued that administrative fragmentation within the association is a significant hurdle that must be addressed for the sport to thrive.
Paes stressed that tennis needs a more inclusive approach to talent scouting and development. He advocated for increased financial investment that reaches beyond the major hubs.
- Rural Outreach: Paes believes funding should penetrate rural India to uncover hidden talent.
- Urban Integration: He suggested creating pathways for rural talent to move into metro cities to hone their skills under professional guidance.
- Governance: He emphasized that professionalizing the association is a key demand from athletes and those involved in sports governance.
A Legacy of Excellence
Mahesh Bhupathi remains one of India's most decorated athletes, having secured 12 Grand Slam titles throughout his career. His achievements include four titles in men's doubles and eight in mixed doubles, bolstered by a legendary partnership with Leander Paes.