‘Huge alternative to serve the youth’: From tennis courts to politics, Leander Paes joins BJP | India Information
NEW DELHI: Indian tennis nice Leander Paes on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Partycalling it a “large alternative to serve the youth” as he steps into public life forward of key elections. The 51-year-old, who stays one in all India’s most adorned athletes, was inducted into the occasion within the presence of Union ministers together with Kiren Rijiju.Marking the transition from sport to politics, Paes described the transfer as a second of accountability slightly than symbolism. “This occasion membership slip is not only a slip however a accountability to serve the nation,” he mentioned, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dwelling Minister Amit Shah for the chance. He added that India’s younger inhabitants presents an important second to increase sports activities schooling and infrastructure, saying he hopes to contribute meaningfully in that house.Rijiju welcomed the tennis icon’s entry, saying he expects Paes to “play an even bigger innings” in politics and increase initiatives such because the Khelo India programme. BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar additionally backed the transfer, saying Paes’ attraction amongst younger folks may strengthen the occasion’s outreach, notably in West Bengal the place elections are approaching.Paes’ political journey comes full circle after a quick stint with the Trinamool Congress, which he joined in 2021 and campaigned for throughout the Goa elections. His swap to the BJP now locations him amongst a rising listing of high-profile sportspersons coming into politics.On the court docket, Paes constructed a profession spanning greater than three a long time, successful 18 Grand Slam titles throughout males’s and combined doubles and securing a historic bronze medal on the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. His partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi — dubbed the “Indian Categorical” — introduced international recognition to Indian tennis, whereas his Davis Cup performances made him a nationwide determine.Reflecting on his journey, Paes mentioned he had “performed for the nation for 40 years” and now needs to deal with empowering youth by way of sport, together with selling equal alternative scholarships for girls. His entry into politics alerts an try and translate sporting legacy into public service, as he prepares for a brand new and extra advanced area past the baseline.
Leave a Reply