Our Bureau
New Delhi
Leander Paes, India’s tennis legend, has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The 51-year-old athlete made this move on Tuesday in New Delhi, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju present.
Paes called it a big chance to serve the youth. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the opportunity. “This party membership slip is not just a slip but a responsibility to serve the nation,” Paes said.
The former champion wants to boost sports education and infrastructure for India’s young people. He also spoke about equal opportunity scholarships for women in sports. Paes has strong ties to Bengal through his mother’s heritage and said the state can do better.
Rijiju welcomed Paes warmly. He noted Paes is the first Asian to win an Olympic medal in tennis, from the 1996 Atlanta Games. “When a player of his stature joins politics, there is a reason,” Rijiju said. He praised Modi government’s focus on sports like Khelo India for inspiring this step.
Paes has 18 Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles. He played for India for over 30 years, including with Mahesh Bhupathi in the famous “Indian Express” pair.
This is not Paes’ first time in politics. He joined Trinamool Congress in 2021 for Goa polls. Now, ahead of West Bengal elections, BJP leaders like Sukanta Majumdar see him helping reach youth there.
Paes’ shift from tennis courts to politics excites fans. Many sportspersons like him have entered public life in India. His experience could help grow sports and youth programs under BJP.
