Tennis Reforms: AITA Aligns Constitution with NSG Act

On July 26, 2026, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) adopted amendments to its constitution at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held in New Delhi, bringing the federation into compliance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 (“NSG Act”). AITA says it is among the first National Sports Federations to align its governing document with the new law.

The reform traces to a writ petition by former Davis Cup captain Somdev Devvarman and former doubles player Purav Raja challenging AITA’s elections of September 28, 2024, alleging violations of the National Sports Development Code and the Supreme Court’s judgment dated August 16, 2022 on sports governance. On June 18, 2026, the Delhi High Court affirmed the primacy of AITA’s General Body in approving constitutional amendments, directed clause-by-clause voting, and ordered fresh Executive Committee elections under the amended constitution by September 30, 2026.

AITA President Chintan Parikh chaired the EGM, with opening remarks from Justice (Retd.) Gita Mittal, the Court-appointed Administrator. Forty-seven members representing 28 affiliated units voted by secret ballot on two competing drafts: one from the Administrator and one from the Executive Committee. Notable changes include:

• Retention of two votes per affiliated state association;
• Inclusion of four Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit and two para-tennis (wheelchair) representatives in the General Body;
• A restructured 15-member Executive Committee, with at least 25% women members;
• A Conflict of Interest provision aligned with the International Tennis Federation’s charter;
• Establishment of an Independent Dispute Resolution Committee, an Ethics Committee, and a POSH Internal Complaints Committee.

AITA has directed all affiliated state associations to amend their own constitutions by December 31, 2026, to retain affiliation. Fresh Executive Committee elections remain slated for completion by September 30, 2026, per the Delhi High Court’s order.