Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal made headlines recently when he reportedly requested a pay rise of $50,000 (around Rs 45 lakh) per year for his participation in the Davis Cup. The All India Tennis Association (AITA) discussed Nagal’s request ahead of India’s World Group I tie against Sweden. Nagal, India’s top-ranked tennis player, sought Rs 20 lakh per tie, a substantial increase compared to what other players usually receive.
The AITA’s Executive Committee was divided on how to handle the request. While some members felt players should be available to represent their country without financial demands, others believed that offering bonuses based on performance could be a fair solution. In the end, the committee authorised the Davis Cup captain to negotiate with Nagal.
AITA Perspective and Agreement
Despite the internal debate, the AITA eventually agreed to Nagal’s terms as per Times of India. An insider from the association explained that Rs 45 lakh annually, which is approximately Rs 20 lakh per tie, is a reasonable request given the stature of the tournament. Comparatively, players earn significantly more in international tournaments such as the US Open and French Open, where even a first-round exit can fetch $100,000 and 73,000 euros, respectively. In this context, Sumit Nagal’s demand does not appear excessive.
An AITA member confirmed, “A No. 1 player in India currently receives anywhere between Rs 7 to 12 lakh per tie, so asking for Rs 20 lakh per tie is not unreasonable given the scale of international competition.”
Issue of Support Staff in Davis Cup
In addition to the financial request, Nagal had also asked for a change in the support staff attached to the Indian Davis Cup team. It remains unclear if his request included replacing both the captain, Rohit Rajpal, and coach Zeeshan Ali, or just one of them. Following Ali’s resignation, Ashutosh Singh was appointed as the new coach for the team.
Sumit Nagal statement
Sumit Nagal, who withdrew from the Davis Cup tie against Sweden due to an injury, issued a detailed statement on the controversy. He clarified that his decision to skip the tie was based on medical advice and not an unwillingness to play for India. “It was a difficult decision to withdraw from the Davis Cup, as playing for the national team is a moment I cherish deeply,” Nagal said. He emphasised that competing while injured could jeopardise both his health and the team’s chances.
Nagal also addressed the compensation issue, explaining that it is standard practice for professional athletes to be compensated, even when representing their country. “This is not about personal gain. My discussions with AITA and the Davis Cup Captain are confidential,” he added.
New Chapter in Indian Tennis
Sumit Nagal’s request for better pay has sparked a broader conversation in Indian tennis about fair compensation for players representing the country. As India prepares for future Davis Cup ties, the decision to meet Nagal’s demands could set a precedent for other athletes seeking similar compensation.
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