Sania Mirza, Mahesh Bhupathi Enter AITA Administration
Tennis icons Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi enter AITA administration as representatives of sportspersons of outstanding merit.
In a significant move for the governance of Indian tennis, legends Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi have been elected to the All India Tennis Association (AITA) General Body. The duo enters the administrative fold as representatives of sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOM), marking a transition from the court to the boardroom.
A New Chapter in Tennis Governance
The inclusion of these two icons is part of a broader shift in how national sports federations are managed. Under the National Sports Bodies Rules, 2026, and the National Sports Governance Act, reforms have been implemented to ensure that former athletes have a direct voice in the administration of their sports.
According to the amended constitution of the AITA, the General Body now includes four SOM representatives—two men and two women. From this group, one man and one woman will eventually be part of the 15-member Executive Committee, which serves as the primary decision-making body for the federation.
Tough Competition for the SOM Slots
The road to these positions was competitive, with a total of 26 applications submitted for the SOM roles. The breakdown included 18 candidates in the men's category and eight in the women's category. Among the high-profile applicants were several former Indian stars and Davis Cup representatives, including:
- Two-time Grand Slam champion Rohan Bopanna
- Former Davis Cup skipper Anand Amritraj
- Gaurav Natekar
Legacy of the New Representatives
Both Mirza and Bhupathi bring an unparalleled level of international success to the AITA. Mahesh Bhupathi, a former doubles world number one, boasts a career total of 12 Grand Slam titles, including four in men's doubles and eight in mixed doubles. He is also widely remembered for his powerhouse partnership with Leander Paes.
Sania Mirza, who retired from professional tennis in February 2023, reached the pinnacle of the sport by becoming the world number one in women's doubles in 2015. Her trophy cabinet includes six Grand Slam titles, split equally between women's doubles and mixed doubles.
What Happens Next?
The focus now shifts to the AITA Executive Committee elections, which are scheduled for Thursday. Both Mirza and Bhupathi will be vying for representation within this smaller, more influential group to help shape the future of the sport in India.
The AITA is set to conclude its full election process on November 27. With the integration of these former champions, the association aims to provide athletes with a more substantial role in the administration and strategic direction of Indian tennis.