Two Tennis Legends Just Got the Keys to India's Game

Indian tennis legends Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi have been elected to the Executive Committee of the All India Tennis Association (AITA).

The move marks a significant step toward greater representation of former athletes in the administration of Indian tennis.

Bhupathi and Mirza secured their places in the 15-member Executive Committee after first being elected as Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) representatives to the AITA General Body.

Bhupathi polled 23 votes, the highest among the candidates, while Mirza received 18 votes in the Executive Committee election.

Earlier, Bhupathi and Mirza had secured 19 and 18 votes, respectively, in the General Body elections.

Ashutosh Singh and Shalini Thakur Chawla were the other two candidates elected as SOM representatives.

The inclusion of Bhupathi and Mirza is part of wider governance reforms aimed at giving accomplished sportspersons a greater say in the functioning of national sports federations.

The amended AITA Constitution provides for two SOM representatives in the Executive Committee, with one position each reserved for a male and female representative.

The AITA Constitution was amended in line with the National Sports Governance Act back in July.

The amended constitution provides for four SOM representatives in the General Body (two male and two female) and two in the AITA Executive Committee (one male and one female).

Bhupathi and Mirza were chosen from a roster of 40 players.

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.

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

Speaking after her election, Mirza said the objective was to use their experience as professional athletes to understand the requirements of players and contribute toward the development of Indian tennis.

"I think that we are just trying to use our experience to try and understand what the players need more," Mirza told ANI.

"I think that it's too early to answer the question exactly what, because there are still a lot of things to be put into place with the president, vice president, EC. There are many things still to be done," Mirza added.

"Our vision and our goal are one, which is to try and make Indian tennis better. And I think all of us come together here with that vision," she said.

Mirza emphasized the need for a comprehensive support system for young players, including quality coaching, strategic guidance on tournaments, and robust fitness support.

"There are many things that go into making of a tennis player," she noted, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach to nurture the next generation of talent.

Bhupathi expressed a similar commitment to leveraging their collective experience to enhance Indian tennis.

Both players bring unparalleled international success to their new administrative roles.

Bhupathi boasts 12 Grand Slam titles across men's doubles and mixed doubles.

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.

Indian sports federations are undergoing governance reforms, encouraging greater representation of former athletes.

The AITA elections come amid ongoing legal proceedings in the Delhi High Court.

The High Court is scheduled to hear on November 6, 2026, administrator Justice (retd.)