Rohit Rajpal announces candidature for AITA President, outlines vision for Indian tennis

Rohit Rajpal has formally announced his candidature for the post of President of the All India Tennis Association (AITA) in the forthcoming elections, saying his decision follows extensive introspection and interactions with well-wishers in the tennis fraternity and beyond.

For Rajpal, the decision marks another chapter in a journey that began as a young tennis player and has since taken him through playing, administration and leadership roles in Indian sport.

“Tennis is not just a sport for me, it has been my life, since the time I was a young boy who wished to make it big,” Rajpal said in a media release. “At 55, when many summers have passed, my heart still beats for Indian tennis.”

His vision is to see Indian tennis expand across the country and build on the legacy created by its champions.

“It is my dream and vision for India that a sport which has produced so many champions at home should grow further by leaps and bounds,” he said.

Rajpal also highlighted the opportunity that a potential Indian bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics could present for the sport.

“It could be the greatest opportunity to bring glory to Indian tennis by achieving a podium finish in the home country,” he said.

He believes the country’s tennis talent extends beyond established centres, with significant potential waiting to be tapped in smaller towns and cities.

“The potential is, indeed, explosive in cities as well as smaller towns and it is waiting to be ignited,” Rajpal said.

Rajpal’s association with competitive tennis dates back to the 1980s. The former India player became the Asian Junior Champion and was among the top juniors in the world, besides winning several national and international titles. He was also an Asian Games medallist before a severe back injury forced him to undergo major surgery and brought his playing career to an early end.

“Thus, my playing career was cut short and I accepted it gracefully,” he said.

His involvement in tennis, however, continued. Rajpal has been associated with tennis administration for almost a decade through the AITA and Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA). He has also served as the non-playing captain of the Indian Davis Cup team in several ties.

Reflecting on his Davis Cup experience, Rajpal said the team’s performances demonstrate the ability of Indian players to compete effectively despite concerns over their rankings.

“For those who say India does not have players in the Top 100, results in the Davis Cup are testimony to their skill and will,” he said.

India will face South Korea in September for a place in the final eight nations, another opportunity that Rajpal believes can showcase the depth and quality of Indian tennis.

Rajpal’s sporting administration experience extends beyond tennis. The 55-year-old has served as a Board Member of the Indian Olympic Association, held office in the AITA and served as President of the DLTA. He has also been entrusted with responsibilities in Indian volleyball, where he was involved in efforts to strengthen the management and performance structure.

He pointed to India’s recent bronze medal at the Asian Volleyball Championships as one of the outcomes of that journey.

Rajpal has also served as Chef de Mission of the Indian contingent at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, an experience he described as an important learning opportunity involving the day-to-day management of both elite able-bodied and para-athletes.

“It has been my absolute and greatest honour to have tread progressively from representing India as a player, to being a winning Captain in multiple Davis Cup Ties, to being a Board Member of IOA, Office Bearer of AITA and President of DLTA,” he said.

Rajpal thanked the Government of India, IOA and AITA for the responsibilities entrusted to him over the years.

He now sees his candidature for the AITA presidency as a natural progression of that journey.

“This journey has given me the confidence to now step forward and announce my candidature as President of the All India Tennis Association as a step forward in my desire to contribute to the growth and development of tennis in India,” Rajpal said.

If elected, Rajpal has pledged to follow a player-centric approach, with good governance and transparency forming the core of his proposed administration.

“With your support, I plan to adopt a player-centric approach and policies, good governance and transparency above all,” he said.

Rajpal added that he will share a detailed vision document in due course and sought the support and blessings of the tennis fraternity as he enters the electoral race.

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