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Leander Paes starts his political innings by joining BJP

New Delhi: Famous Indian tennis player Leander Paes has entered politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This decision has become the center of discussion in political circles before the West Bengal Assembly elections. The move by Paes, who is considered one of India’s most successful tennis players, is being considered significant in the state’s politics. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar were also present on the occasion. At present the election atmosphere in West Bengal is heating up rapidly, and all the political parties are busy strengthening their strategies.

Kiran Rijiju’s reaction

On this occasion, Kiren Rijiju said, “Leander Paes joining BJP is historic. In the last 12 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made continuous efforts to promote sports and players.” Leander Paes described it as an important day in his life and said, “This is a big opportunity for me, where I will be able to serve sports and the youth. I want to thank Prime Minister Modi, Amit Shah and Nitin Nabin.”

New efforts for youth

Leander Paes has won many Olympic medals and Grand Slams for India in his career, and now he is ready to take on new responsibilities in politics. His joining BJP shows that the party wants to strengthen its position by associating prominent faces from the sports world with itself. Paes said, “I have played for the country for 40 years, now it is time to serve the youth.” Praising the sports schemes of the Central Government, he said, “Khelo India Movement and TOPS Scheme are among the very wonderful initiatives.”

Lack of sports facilities in Bengal

Paes also talked about the lack of sports facilities in West Bengal. He said, “India is the youngest country, and we should focus on sports education in the next 20-25 years. There was very little sports infrastructure in Bengal in 1986, and even today there is a lack of indoor tennis courts. We have to motivate the youth through sports education. My dream is to start an equal opportunity scholarship program for women empowerment in India.”

party expectations

The BJP hopes that Paes’ popularity will have a positive impact on young and sports-loving voters. However, it is not clear whether Paes will contest the election or not, but his image and experience could prove to be a strong base for the party.

Pace family background

Leander Paes was born on 17 June 1973 in Kolkata. His late father Wes Paes won a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics and his mother Jennifer Paes led the 1980 Asian basketball team. Wes Pace passed away last year.

Achievement of bronze medal in Olympics

Leander Paes won the bronze medal in men’s tennis singles at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, becoming the first Indian player to win an individual Olympic medal. He was awarded the Khel Ratna Award in 1996–97, Arjun Award in 1990, Padma Shri in 2001 and Padma Bhushan in 2014.

Grand Slam Achievements

Although Paes has not won any Grand Slam in men’s singles, he has eight Grand Slam trophies to his name in men’s doubles. She won the Australian Open title in 2012, as well as the French Open in 1999, 2001 and 2009, Wimbledon in 1999, and the US Open in 2006, 2009 and 2013. He has also won 10 Grand Slam titles in mixed doubles.