Pune: Poorly hosted tournaments with draws being rigged, need for efficient high-performance centres, robust domestic circuit with attractive prize money and conflict of interest in administration were some of the key issues raised by the tennis players with the Administrator for the All India Tennis Association, which is in the midst of a court-mandated National Sports Act compliance process.“The draw lacks transparency. Full draws are frequently not published and there appears to be no independent oversight … instead of a transparent bracket system, players are often informed only on individual match-ups,” one player wrote to the Administrator, Justice (Retd.) Gita Mittal, referring to a long-running tournament in Faridabad. “There is a strong perception that certain players known to organisers receive … easier paths. In some cases, players have reportedly advanced through walkovers against opponents who never appeared, raising further questions about the legitimacy of the draw process.“The tournament does not conduct doubles events, yet doubles ranking points appear to be awarded to certain players from these tournaments.”More than one player highlighted the absence of a functional National Tennis Centre.“Why are many of India’s top professional players not regularly training at the National Tennis Centre,” wondered one player.“Should India consider multiple regional high-performance centres rather than primarily relying on (just one in) Delhi?”The players emphasized on the need for a strong domestic circuit to help juniors transition to the professional circuit.“Current national-level prize money pools are often too low to meaningfully support player development. A Rs. 1 lakh prize-money kitty does little to offset any expenses,” a player said.The same player also questioned the transparency in selection and governance.“What is the process for appointing selectors? What qualifications, experience and conflict-of-interest safeguards are considered? Is the selection process publicly documented,” the player wrote.“I observe the same individuals remaining involved (in administration) for decades. Is there a framework for periodic renewals?”The opaqueness in funds received from the International Tennis Federation and its distribution was also mentioned. “To have transparency on what is financially committed by ITF for representing India at the Billie Jean King Cup and what amount AITA shares with the players,” wrote a player.
