AITA Removes Anil Dhupar as Secretary General, Appoints Sunder Iyer as Interim Amid Legal Row

The All India Tennis Association’s (AITA) Executive Committee (EC) has removed Anil Dhupar from the position of Secretary General, citing his age and the expiration of his term. In a meeting held on Friday, 17 out of 25 EC members passed a resolution with a three-fourths majority to relieve Dhupar of his duties and appoint Joint Secretary Sunder Iyer as interim Secretary General.

Dhupar, now 72, was elected to a four-year term in 2020. Although he did not contest in the September 2024 elections, he continued to serve as Secretary General due to a pending court ruling on the election’s validity. The Delhi High Court has yet to announce its decision on a writ petition filed by former players Somdev Devvarman and Purav Raja, who questioned the legitimacy of the 2024 elections.

Vice President (Sports) Hironmoy Chatterjee stated that Dhupar’s continuation violated the National Sports Code, which disallows officials from holding office beyond the age of 70. He also claimed that Dhupar and the President were making key decisions without EC consultation, undermining the democratic functioning of the federation.

“The Executive Committee is the highest decision-making body. Mr. Dhupar has crossed 70 and completed his term. The Sports Code must be followed,” Chatterjee emphasized.

He added that the appointment of legal counsel in AITA-related matters must be approved by the EC, a process allegedly bypassed by the President.

Dhupar responded by asserting that he remains the rightful Secretary General until the court delivers a verdict. He warned of potential legal action for contempt, noting that the High Court had advised maintaining the status quo.

The AITA plans to submit the minutes of Friday’s meeting to the Sports Ministry and the Delhi High Court, which will hear the matter on July 11. According to Chatterjee, the meeting adhered to Sports Code compliance rules, which underpin AITA’s recognition as a National Sports Federation (NSF).

Ten EC members were physically present in Ahmedabad, while seven others joined the meeting virtually.