Indian tennis legends Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza have thrown their hats into the ring for the All India Tennis Association’s (AITA) Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit (SOM) elections, aiming to secure influential roles
Indian tennis icons Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza have officially filed nominations for the AITA Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit (SOM) elections, seeking representation in the federation’s general body (GB) and executive committee (EC).
But Leander Paes, one of the country’s most successful tennis players, surprisingly did not file his nominations for the upcoming polls and was absent. As a result, he will be unable to run for the AITA presidency, something fans had anticipated to witness amid the federation’s struggles and downfall.
Leander Paes cannot contest the AITA polls
Paes received significant public backing from the Bengal Tennis Association, backing his candidacy for the role of AITA President. He is also the only player in the Tier I of the 40-player roster.
According to PTI, Paes is required to win the SOM election to stand as a presidential candidate as he is still ineligible to contest as a state representative.
While Paes can participate in the upcoming AITA polls as a Bengal representative, he cannot contest as a state representative.
According to Rule 12 (B): A person shall not be qualified to contest for election or seek nomination to, the posts of the President or the Secretary General or the Treasurer, unless such person is (i) a SOM GB Representative, or (ii) has previously served as a member for at least one full term in the Executive Committee of AITA on any post, or (iii) has previously served as the President, or the Secretary General or the Treasurer in any of its State Affiliate units.
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Bhupati and Sania are expected to face some stiff competition as veterans like Ankita Bhambri, Ashutosh Singh, Gaurav Natekar, Janaki Krishnamoorthy, Shalini Thakur Chawla and Vishal Uppal have also filed their nominations.
The amended AITA Constitution provides for four SOM representatives on the General Body (two men and two women) and two SOM representatives on the 15-member Executive Committee (one man and one woman).
The SOM framework is part of the broader effort to provide sportspersons with a role in the governance of national sports federations under the new sports governance rules.