---
title: "National Sports Act Compliance Prevails in AITA Age Limit Confrontation"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/aita-executive-committee-age-limit-ruling-c2nh0
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Sports
published: 2026-08-07T14:53:45.000Z
modified: 2026-08-07T17:01:25.474Z
language: en-IN
---

# National Sports Act Compliance Prevails in AITA Age Limit Confrontation

Internal polling at the All India Tennis Association has resulted in a strict age ceiling of 70 for its Executive Committee members. The decision aligns the federation with national governance mandates rather than international tennis guidelines.

## Key takeaways

- AITA members voted 25 to 22 to maintain a 70-year age cap for the Executive Committee.
- The decision aligns the tennis body with the National Sports Governance Act requirements.
- Candidates must be under 70 on their nomination date but can finish a four-year term if they age out.
- Veteran administrator Anil Khanna is ruled out of future EC roles due to his current age of 73.
- Final constitutional documents must be submitted to the Delhi High Court by August 14.

## Internal Dispute Over Age Thresholds

During an Extraordinary General Meeting on July 26, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) faced significant internal friction regarding the maximum age of its leadership. Representatives debated whether to adhere to the 70-year limit established by the National Sports Governance Act or adopt a 75-year threshold by referencing the International Tennis Federation's constitution, which lacks a specific ceiling. The division was so pronounced that the final tally required comprehensive scrutiny before the results could be confirmed.

## The Final Tally and New Requirements

Interim president Chintan Parikh released internal communication on Friday revealing the results of the vote. By a narrow margin of 25 to 22, the 70-year cap was upheld. Under these revised regulations, any candidate for the Executive Committee must be younger than 70 on the day they file their nomination. However, individuals are permitted to finish their four-year term even if they cross the age threshold during their tenure.

## Why It Matters

This constitutional shift prevents veteran official Anil Khanna from making a return to the governing body, as he is currently 73 years old. The ruling also impacts current leadership; Parikh himself is nearing the age of 70. These changes are part of a broader legal push to finalize the organization's constitution before an August 14 hearing at the Delhi High Court. The AITA is currently working under a September 30 deadline to conduct fresh elections under these newly adopted rules.

## Key Facts

- The 70-year age limit passed by a narrow three-vote margin.
- Nominees must be under 70 on the date of nomination filing.
- Former administrator Anil Khanna is now ineligible for an EC role at age 73.
- The AITA must present this constitution to the Delhi High Court by August 14.
- New elections are scheduled to take place by September 30.

Source: The Hindu — Sport

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/aita-executive-committee-age-limit-ruling-c2nh0
Reported from: The Hindu — Sport