In a decisive move to ensure commitment and accountability among elite tennis players, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has announced that athletes receiving government support must prioritise national representation, or risk repaying the funds.
Under the newly formed Target Asian Games Group (TAGG), part of SAI’s broader support ecosystem alongside the TOPS and NSF schemes, players are now required to provide written confirmation of their willingness to represent India in key tournaments such as the Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, Asian Games, and the Olympics.
This directive comes after repeated instances of top-tier players, including Sumit Nagal and Yuki Bhambri, skipping international ties without officially recognised justifications. The SAI circular explicitly warns that players unwilling to participate in these marquee events may face financial recovery, as “receiving financial assistance carries the responsibility of contributing to the nation’s sports excellence.”
The move is backed by team captains Rohit Rajpal and Vishal Uppal, who lauded the decision as a necessary step. “Representing India is the highest honour. If you’re benefitting from taxpayer-backed support, being available for national duty should be non-negotiable,” Uppal remarked.
SAI officials emphasised that while players will continue to receive robust support for international exposure and training, national duty must remain central to their sporting priorities. The scheme aims to boost India’s medal tally at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan and uphold the nation’s pride on the global stage.
This policy marks a cultural shift in Indian sports governance, prioritising not just performance but also patriotism and accountability.
