Indian tennis legends
In the voting process for the Executive Committee, Bhupathi led the field by securing 23 votes, while Mirza earned 18. They outperformed other candidates, with Janaki Krishnamoorthy receiving 13 votes and Vishal Uppal polling seven. This development follows their successful election to the General Body, where Bhupathi and Mirza were chosen alongside Ashutosh Singh and Shalini Thakur Chawla to represent the SOM category.
A New Administrative Role for Tennis Icons
The inclusion of these high-profile figures is part of broader governance reforms mandated by the National Sports Governance Act, which seeks to provide accomplished athletes with a greater voice in national sports administration. The SOM roster consists of 40 former players, evenly split between men and women, ensuring a balanced representation of experience within the federation.
Reflecting on the turnout, Bhupathi noted the significance of the participation from the SOM group, many of whom traveled significant distances to cast their ballots. He emphasized that the collective goal is to establish a more effective structure for the sport. With their seats on the Executive Committee now confirmed, both Bhupathi and Mirza have stated they will not be contesting for office-bearer positions in the upcoming AITA elections.
Commitment to Future Growth
Other newly elected General Body members have expressed their readiness to serve the tennis community. Shalini Thakur Chawla, who secured 16 votes, highlighted her intention to contribute to the growth of the sport and advocate for the interests of the athletic community. Similarly, current Davis Cup coach Ashutosh Singh, who received 17 votes, described his election as both an honor and a responsibility, pledging to work toward creating improved opportunities for players and coaches across the country.
The election process saw a competitive field, with candidates such as Janaki Krishnamoorthy, Vishal Uppal, Gaurav Natekar, and Ankita Bhambri also vying for positions. As the AITA moves forward with its amended constitution, the focus remains on leveraging the expertise of these former players to strengthen the national tennis landscape.
