Leander Paes to run for AITA vice-prez

PUNE: In a move filled with surprise and intrigue, Leander Paes has decided to run for the lone vice-president's post in the All India Tennis Association (AITA) elections, scheduled for Nov. 27.The 18-time Grand Slam winner's candidature was revealed by Chintan Parikh, AITA's interim president, in a press release on Sunday."Parikh will contest for president and Paes for vice-president. Both of them will be supported by a capable team comprising an honorary secretary, treasurer, two joint secretaries and other executive committee members. These names will be decided in the next few days," the press release said.Parikh said his partnership with Paes, who is the president of the Bengal Tennis Association, was finalised after a meeting between the two in Kolkata on Friday.As per the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, a candidate must have completed at least one term as an office-bearer in a state association or on the executive committee of the national body to be eligible to run for president. Paes was elected to the BTA's top job last November.Despite being the only Olympic medallist on the Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit (SOM) roster, he chose not to contest the AITA presidency. Grand Slam winners Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza, however, have filed their nominations..Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.