Making Indian Tennis Better: Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi Join AITA Panel
Tennis legends Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi join the AITA Executive Committee to help improve the future of Indian tennis.
In a move that promises to bring a wealth of professional experience to the administrative side of the sport, Indian tennis icons Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi have officially entered the All India Tennis Association (AITA) governance structure. Both legends have been elected to the AITA General Body and have subsequently secured spots on the Executive Committee, signaling a new chapter in their commitment to the game.
A Powerful Duo Enters Administration
The transition began when Mirza and Bhupathi were elected as Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) representatives to the association's General Body. Following this, they successfully contested for positions in the Executive Committee (EC). The voting results highlighted the strong support for the duo, with Mahesh Bhupathi topping the polls with 23 votes and Sania Mirza securing 18 votes.
Other candidates in the Executive Committee race included Janaki Krishnamoorthy, who received 13 votes, and Vishal Uppal, who polled seven. In the initial General Body elections for SOM representatives, Bhupathi and Mirza led the way with 19 and 18 votes respectively, followed by Ashutosh Singh (17 votes) and Shalini Thakur Chawla (16 votes).
"I think that we are just trying to use our experience to try and understand what the players need more," Sania Mirza told ANI. "Our vision and our goal are one, which is to try and make Indian tennis better."
The Blueprint for Growth
While Mirza noted that it is too early to outline specific policy changes—as coordination with the president, vice president, and the EC is still ongoing—she was vocal about the systemic gaps that need to be filled to nurture the next generation of champions. According to Mirza, becoming a world-class player requires more than just talent; it requires a comprehensive support ecosystem.
She highlighted several critical areas that need attention:
- Development Programs: Creating structured paths for young athletes.
- Expert Coaching: Ensuring players have access to the right kind of technical training.
- Strategic Guidance: Helping players choose the right tournaments to maximize their growth and rankings.
- Physical Support: Providing essential access to professional physios and fitness trainers.
Mirza emphasized that while "luck" plays a role in professional sports, the goal is to ensure that every other variable—knowledge, experience, and support—is optimized so that young Indian athletes can take the necessary steps toward international success.
Legacy Meets Governance
The inclusion of Mirza and Bhupathi brings an unprecedented level of international pedigree to the AITA. Mahesh Bhupathi, a former world number one in doubles, boasts 12 Grand Slam titles (four in men's doubles and eight in mixed doubles) and a legendary partnership with Leander Paes. Sania Mirza, who retired in February 2023, reached the world number one spot in women's doubles in 2015 and claimed six Grand Slam titles.
Their appointment aligns with broader governance reforms currently sweeping through Indian sports federations under the National Sports Governance Act and the National Sports Bodies Rules, 2026, which encourage greater representation of former athletes in administrative roles.
Due to their new roles within the Executive Committee, neither Sania Mirza nor Mahesh Bhupathi will contest for office-bearer positions in the upcoming AITA elections scheduled for November 27.