Just Days Away! How a Retirement Rule Kept Tennis Star Rohan Bopanna Off AITA’s List
India’s former world No. 1 doubles player Rohan Bopanna has been left out of the All India Tennis Association’s (AITA) Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) roster after falling short of the mandatory one-year retirement requirement by just a few days.
Bopanna, 46, announced his retirement from professional tennis on November 1, 2025, while the AITA published its roster on October 16, 2026. Under the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026, applicants must have retired from active sport for at least one year before applying for inclusion.
Bopanna had ended his career representing India after the 2024 Paris Olympics, having earlier declared the 2023 Davis Cup tie against Morocco as his last for the country. However, he continued competing on the professional ATP Tour before announcing his retirement in November 2025.
The tennis star reportedly checked his eligibility with AITA administrator Gita Mittal and submitted his application after receiving an assurance that he met the criteria. The confusion may have stemmed from the distinction between retiring from international duty and retiring from professional tennis altogether.
Bopanna’s exclusion stands out given his achievements. He won the 2017 French Open mixed doubles title and the 2024 Australian Open men’s doubles crown. At 43, he became the oldest player to reach world No. 1 in men’s doubles.
He has also supported emerging Indian players through a doubles programme that helps cover international competition expenses, including travel and coaching support.
Meanwhile, Leander Paes, a 1996 Olympic bronze medallist and 18-time Grand Slam champion, is the sole player in Tier 1 of the roster. Former world No. 1 Mahesh Bhupathi and six-time Grand Slam champion Sania Mirza feature in Tier 2.
The roster will include 40 sportspersons, equally divided between men and women. AITA nominations are scheduled for October 23–25, ahead of the November 5 elections.