New Delhi witnessed a notable meeting on April 1 as esteemed tennis player and Olympic medalist Leander Paes met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This meeting took place a day after Paes officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the capital. PM Modi expressed his respect for Paes’s achievements in the sport through a post on X, stating, “Had a great meeting with Leander Paes. India is very proud of his accomplishments in tennis. We discussed a wide range of issues. His passion towards sports and nation-building is truly admirable.”

Had a great meeting with Shri Leander Paes Ji. India is very proud of his accomplishments in tennis. We discussed a wide range of issues. His passion towards sports and nation building is truly admirable.@Leander pic.twitter.com/NPiw0OuIcH

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2026

Paes’s Political Shift and Engagement

On March 31, Paes marked his foray into Indian politics by joining the BJP, accompanied by Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Sukanta Majumdar. This entry comes as the country gears up for its upcoming electoral season, wherein Paes aims to leverage his influence in promoting sports. Notably, the former tennis star had previously ventured into politics with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in 2021.

Following his induction into the BJP, Paes shared his appreciation for the opportunity, indicating that this moment holds significant meaning in his life. He extended gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Nitin Nabin, emphasizing his eagerness to contribute to sports, sports education, and youth development under the BJP’s platform.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju welcomed Paes into the party, remarking on the significance of the event. Rijiju expressed optimism regarding Paes’s future role within the BJP, suggesting that his presence could greatly enhance the “Khelo India” initiative, aimed at promoting sports at the grassroots level. The minister underscored his belief that Paes will achieve continued success on the BJP platform.

Paes’s Legacy in Tennis

Leander Paes is widely recognized as one of the most successful tennis players in Indian history, boasting an impressive array of honors throughout his career. He received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting accolade, in 1996-97 and was presented with the Arjuna Award in 1990. Furthermore, he was honored with the Padma Shri award in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honor in India, in January 2014. His contributions to sports are celebrated nationwide, highlighting his legacy as a trailblazer in Indian tennis.

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