Sport · India Bureau
Mirza, Bhupathi vie for posts in Indian Tennis elections; Paes opts out
Tennis icons Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi have thrown their hats into the ring for positions within India's tennis governing body, while veteran Leander Paes has chosen to remain on the sidelines.
LSN India ·
Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi, two of India's most decorated tennis players, have announced their candidacies for upcoming elections at the All India Tennis Association (AITA). The move marks a significant development in Indian tennis administration as the sport's veterans seek to take active roles in shaping the direction of the country's tennis programs.
Mirza, a former world number one in doubles and a Grand Slam champion, has established herself as a prominent voice in Indian sports since transitioning away from full-time competition. Bhupathi, known for his exceptional doubles career and multiple Grand Slam titles, has similarly been involved in tennis development initiatives across the country.
In contrast to his contemporaries, Leander Paes, the 11-time Grand Slam winner and Olympic medalist, has decided not to contest in the upcoming AITA elections. Paes remains a towering figure in Indian tennis, having competed at the highest levels of professional tennis for several decades.
The AITA elections represent a critical juncture for Indian tennis governance, with the involvement of such prominent athletes likely to influence policy decisions regarding player development, grassroots initiatives, and the sport's infrastructure in the country. The elections are expected to draw considerable attention from tennis stakeholders and the broader sporting community in India.