New Delhi: Indian tennis icon Leander Paes officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday, marking his entry into active politics. The development adds another high-profile name from the sports world to the party’s ranks.
Paes joined the party in the presence of Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Sukanta Majumdar, who welcomed him into the organisation.
“A big day in my life,” says Paes
Expressing gratitude, Paes described the moment as a significant milestone in his life. He thanked the leadership for providing him an opportunity to contribute to sports, youth development, and education.
“I played for the country for 40 years, now it’s time to serve the youth,” he said, highlighting his intention to work towards strengthening sports education and opportunities in India.
He also praised initiatives such as the Khelo India movement and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), crediting them for improving India’s sporting performance on the global stage.
BJP leaders welcome move
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju termed Paes’s entry as a “moment to celebrate,” expressing confidence that the tennis legend would play a significant role in promoting sports and youth engagement through the party platform.
Sukanta Majumdar also welcomed Paes, noting his influence among youth, particularly in West Bengal. He emphasised Paes’s cultural lineage, tracing his roots to renowned 19th-century poet and dramatist Michael Madhusudan Dutt.
From tennis court to public life
Born in Kolkata, Leander Paes is widely regarded as one of India’s greatest tennis players. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he achieved remarkable success in doubles tennis.
He remains the only Indian to win an Olympic medal in tennis, securing a bronze at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Paes has also won 18 Grand Slam titles—eight in men’s doubles and 10 in mixed doubles—and achieved a rare career Grand Slam in both categories.
Iconic partnerships and records
Paes formed one of India’s most successful doubles partnerships with Mahesh Bhupathi. The duo reached all four Grand Slam finals in 1999, a historic feat in Indian tennis.
He also holds the record for the most doubles wins in Davis Cup history and represented India in seven consecutive Olympic Games from 1992 to 2016.
In 2024, Paes was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, becoming the first Asian male player to receive the honour.
Awards and contributions
Paes has been honoured with several prestigious awards, including the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan for his contributions to Indian sports.
He has also been one of the most decorated athletes in Asian Games history, winning multiple medals across events.
Political significance ahead of elections
Paes’s entry into politics is being viewed as a strategic move, particularly ahead of upcoming elections in West Bengal. With his national recognition and strong connect with youth, he is expected to play a key role in outreach initiatives.
His focus on sports infrastructure, youth empowerment, and equal opportunity—especially for women—could shape his political agenda in the coming years.
Conclusion
Leander Paes’s transition from a celebrated sports career to politics marks a new chapter in his public life. As he begins this journey, attention will be on how he leverages his experience and popularity to contribute to policy-making and youth development in India.