Leander Paes: ‘Big opportunity to serve the youth’: From tennis courts to politics, Leander Paes joins BJP | India News
New Delhi: Indian Tennis Greats Leander Pace Joined on Tuesday Bharatiya Janata PartyCalling it a “great opportunity to serve the youth” as he steps into public life ahead of crucial elections. The 51-year-old, who is one of India’s most decorated athletes, was inducted into the party in the presence of Union ministers including Kiren Rijiju.Marking the transition from sports to politics, Pace described the move as a moment of responsibility rather than symbolism. “This party membership slip is not just a slip but a responsibility to serve the nation,” he said, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the opportunity. He added that India’s young population presents an important moment to expand sports education and infrastructure, adding that he hopes to contribute meaningfully in that space.
Rijiju welcomed the tennis icon’s entry, saying he hoped Paes would “play a big innings” in politics and encourage initiatives like the Khelo India programme. BJP leader Sukant Majumdar also supported the move, saying that Pace’s appeal among the youth could strengthen the party’s campaign, especially in West Bengal where elections are approaching.Paes’ political journey came full circle after a brief stint with the Trinamool Congress, which he joined in 2021 and campaigned during the Goa elections. His switch to the BJP now places him among a growing list of high-profile sportspersons entering politics.On the court, Paes has built a career spanning more than three decades, winning 18 Grand Slam titles across men’s and mixed doubles and earning a historic bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. His partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi – dubbed the “Indian Express” – brought Indian tennis global recognition, while his Davis Cup performances made him a national figure.Reflecting on her journey, Paes said she has “played for the country for 40 years” and now wants to focus on empowering youth through sports, including promoting equal opportunity scholarships for women. His foray into politics signals an attempt to translate his sporting legacy into public service, as he prepares for a new and more complex arena beyond Baseline.
