New Delhi, Nov 2:
Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has joined hands with All India Tennis Association (AITA) interim president Chintan Parikh to contest the November 27 elections as part of a joint panel, ending speculation that the former player would challenge Parikh for the top post.
Paes has agreed to take up the vice-president’s role under the banner ‘Tennis First’, which will be led by Parikh, who is seeking another term as president. The panel has pledged to bring transparency and accountability to Indian tennis administration.
Paes had initially considered contesting against Parikh but did not enter the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) elections, despite being the only player placed in Tier-1. He was also not eligible to contest for the president’s post from West Bengal, as he has not completed one term as the state’s association chief.
Parikh said Paes was keen to bring the AITA Trust under the association’s umbrella and address concerns over the existing governance structure. He said the former player could serve as a player ambassador, interact with the media, contribute to policy-making and help develop an ethics code.
The ‘Tennis First’ panel has also promised to adhere to the International Tennis Federation’s code of ethics and create a more player-centric environment. Its agenda includes expanding the sport’s reach to regions with limited tennis infrastructure, identifying young talent and providing aspiring players with coaching and financial support.
The electoral contest comes amid differences between the AITA Trust and the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association, with questions being raised over accountability and the functioning of the sport’s administration.