Sania Mirza and Bhupathi join AITA to transform Indian tennis.

Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza are set to become the two Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) in the 15-member All India Tennis Association Executive Committee.

The committee will be formed later this year after fresh elections.

The two were chosen from a roster of 40 players on Thursday.

They are also among four SOMs elected to the AITA General Body.

Current Davis Cup coach Ashutosh Singh and former Billie Jean King Cup captain Shalini Thakur Chawla are the other two former players in the General Body.

The AITA Constitution, amended in line with the National Sports Governance Act in July, provides for four SOM representatives in the General Body — two male and two female.

It provides for two in the AITA Executive Committee — one male and one female.

With Bhupathi and Sania set to take their places in the EC, they will not be able to contest the polls for other office-bearer posts such as president, general secretary and treasurer.

During the election, Bhupathi polled 23 votes, the highest among the candidates in the Executive Committee election.

Mirza secured 18 votes.

Janaki Krishnamoorthy received 13 votes and Vishal Uppal polled seven.

Bhupathi and Mirza were elected to the General Body as SOM representatives after polling 19 and 18 votes respectively.

Ashutosh Singh, with 17 votes, and Shalini Thakur Chawla, with 16, were the other two elected representatives.

The other candidates in the General Body election were Janaki Krishnamoorthy (15), Vishal Uppal (9), Gaurav Natekar (8) and Ankita Bhambri (7).

"I think it was very heartening to see 31 SOM show up to vote, even though none of them have ever got any support from AITA in the past," Bhupathi said on Thursday.

"So it shows that they wanted to come from different parts of India."

"Some flew from Hong Kong to show their support for what we believe in, and we believe that we can put a structure together to make change."

"And the fact that Sania and I are in the EC now I believe we can put a structure together sooner than later," he added.

Mirza expressed her enthusiasm about the new role.

"Our vision and our goal are one, which is to try and make Indian tennis better," she affirmed.

She highlighted the collaborative spirit with the AITA president, vice president, and Executive Committee members.

Mirza emphasized the need for a comprehensive support system for young players.

That includes quality coaching, strategic guidance on tournaments, and robust fitness support.

"There are many things that go into making of a tennis player," she noted.

She underscored the importance of a holistic approach to nurture the next generation of talent.

Both players bring unparalleled international success.

Bhupathi boasts 12 Grand Slam titles.

Mirza, a former world No. 1 in doubles, has six Grand Slam victories.

Their administrative presence is expected to provide invaluable insights and drive significant improvements in Indian tennis.

Expressing her gratitude after being elected to the General Body, Shalini Thakur Chawla said: "I look forward to contributing positively towards the growth of Indian tennis, representing the interests of our sporting community and working together for a stronger future."

Ashutosh Singh, the current Davis Cup coach, also thanked the tennis fraternity for its support.

"This is both an honour and a responsibility," he said.

"I look forward to working collectively with all elected members to strengthen Indian tennis and create better opportunities for our players and coaches."

However, it remains to be seen in which direction proceedings in the Delhi High Court with respect to amending the AITA Constitution go.

The High Court is scheduled to hear on Friday administrator Justice (retd.)

Gita Mittal's request to implead the AITA Trust and the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) for corruption.