On March 31, renowned tennis player Leander Paes officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi, attended by Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Sukanta Majumdar. This transition comes as Paes embarks on a new political journey ahead of the upcoming elections. The former athlete had previously entered the political landscape in 2021 with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee.

Paes Expresses Gratitude for Political Opportunity

Upon joining the BJP, Paes expressed his appreciation for the platform offered to him. He stated, “Today is a significant day in my life. I want to thank the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Nitin Nabin ji. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve in the domains of sports, sports education, and youth development.”

Union Ministers Celebrate Paes’s Inclusion

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju welcomed Paes into the BJP, stating that his inclusion is a cause for celebration. He added, “Leander Paes is an iconic figure, and his joining the BJP is a momentous occasion. I foresee that he will play an influential role within the party, further invigorating the Khelo India movement.”

Historical Significance and Future Aspirations

Sukanta Majumdar, another Union Minister, emphasized Paes’s inspirational legacy during the ceremony. He noted, “Leander Paes inspires the youth of Bengal with his achievements in tennis. His engagement with our party will be a boost in the lead-up to the polls. His lineage as a descendant of the esteemed 19th-century poet and dramatist Michael Madhusudan Dutt adds to his significance.”

Commitment to Youth and Sports Development

Leander Paes articulated his commitment to serving the youth of India, stating, “Having represented the country for 40 years, I am now eager to contribute to the development of sports and sports education. The Khelo India Movement and TOPS scheme are commendable initiatives. With Kiren Rijiju’s dedicated efforts during the Tokyo Olympics, we can see a brighter future for India’s sports landscape.”

Focus on Equal Opportunities and Infrastructure

In his address, Paes also highlighted the need for improved sports infrastructure in India, specifically mentioning regions such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar. He underscored the importance of inspiring youth and championing sports education over the next 20 to 25 years. “My dream is to establish a program for equal opportunity scholarships focused on empowering women throughout the country,” he noted.

Legacy of a Sporting Icon

Leander Paes remains one of India’s most celebrated tennis players, known for elevating the sport’s profile in the nation. He has achieved significant accolades, including the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 1996-97, the Arjuna Award in 1990, and the Padma Shri in 2001, alongside the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, awarded in January 2014. Paes’s storied career reflects his unwavering contributions to tennis and sports in India.

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