Two big personalities of Indian tennis, Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi are now preparing to play an active role in sports administration. He has filed nomination for the Sports Person of Outstanding Merit (SOM) elections of the All India Tennis Association (AITA). These elections are to be held on 7 November.
A shocking information has come to light before the elections. Leander Paes’ name is not in the nomination list, due to which he is currently out of the race for the post of AITA President. His exit is surprising everyone. However, with the arrival of big names like Sania Mirza, the game is expected to improve.
Why was Leander Paes out?
Leander Paes is included in the tier-1 players. According to the National Sports Governance Act and Rules, a candidate for the post of the national body must have served as an office bearer of the state association for at least one term. Paes has not fulfilled this condition, hence he would have had to get a place for the post of President through the SOM process. This route was closed due to non-appearance of name in the nomination list. He can represent in the AITA elections on November 27 through the Bengal Tennis Association, but cannot contest for the post of president.
Names of Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi included
Along with Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza, six more former players have also filed nominations for the SOM elections. These include Ankita Bhambri, Davis Cup coach Ashutosh Singh, Gaurav Natekar, Janaki Krishnamurthy, Shalini Thakur Chawla and Billie Jean King Cup captain Vishal Uppal.
The five names in the nomination for the executive committee include Bhupathi, Sania, Ankita, Janaki and Uppal. According to the amended AITA Constitution there will be four SOM representatives on the General Body. Of these, one man and one woman will also get a place in the 15-member executive committee.
Bhupathi emphasized on the role of players
Bhupathi said that every federation needs players who have played at a high level. He gave the example of P. Gopichand in badminton and said that players can change the game by coming into administration. Mahesh Bhupathi is a former world number-1 in doubles and multiple Grand Slam winner. Sania Mirza was also former world number-1 in doubles. She won six Grand Slam titles in women’s and mixed doubles and became an icon of Indian tennis.