We are not a one-man show: AITA

New Delhi - The All-India Tennis Association (AITA) Wednesday refuted claims made by Mahesh Bhupathi that it was a one-man organisation with president Anil Khanna calling all the shots.

Bhupathi, at a fiery press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday, criticised AITA’s decision of imposing a two-year ban on him and Rohan Bopanna for not abiding by the selection committee’s decision ahead of the London Olympics.

AITA members Colonel Ranbir Chauhan, Amarbir Singh and Montes, who convened a press-conference here Wednesday, on their part failed to give a conclusive answer to the allegations levelled against them by Bhupathi, shrugging them off as unfortunate comments.

“This is far from being correct. AITA is the most professionally managed organisation and has four executive directors who are well qualified to head the different departments of AITA.

“Each of the chairmen of the six committees is a highly respected person with experience in education, government, journalism and administration.

“AITA is one of the most democratic institutions and has been headed between 2000-2012 by Mr Yashwant Sinha, MP, former finance minister and external affairs minister. The Life Presidents of AITA are Shri S.M. Krishna, external affairs minister and Shri Yashwant Sinha.

“The vice presidents of AITA include very distinguished personalities who would not choose to be part of an organisation which is not transparent and democratic,” an AITA release said.

Chauhan further went on to to say that Bhupathi was a legend of the game and it was unjustified for him to say that AITA was not doing any development work.

“He is a great player and a legend but it is highly unjustified of Mahesh to say no developmental work has taken place.

There are 30 developmental tournaments in India and nine junior tournaments. Saying the federation is not doing anything is not right,” Chauhan told reporters here.