Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of important upcoming elections. His move marks a major political shift, as he was earlier associated with the Trinamool Congress.
Paes officially joined the BJP in New Delhi and described it as an important moment in his life. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other party leaders for giving him the opportunity to serve the country. He said joining the party is a responsibility, especially towards the youth.
Paes had earlier joined the Trinamool Congress in 2014 but was not very active in politics. In 2021, he again supported the party during its campaign in Goa. However, the party could not achieve much success there. Now, with elections approaching in West Bengal and Goa, his switch to BJP has drawn attention.
Born in Kolkata and living in Goa, Paes comes from a strong sports background. His father, Vece Paes, was part of India’s bronze medal-winning hockey team at the 1972 Munich Olympics, while his mother, Jennifer Paes, captained the Indian women’s basketball team.
Leander Paes became a national hero after winning a bronze medal in tennis at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He also has a long and successful career, winning 18 Grand Slam titles and representing India in many international tournaments. In 2024, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Speaking about his future plans, Paes said he wants to focus on improving sports infrastructure and supporting young talent in India. He also spoke about the need for equal opportunities for boys and girls in sports.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju called Paes’ entry into the BJP a historic moment.
His political journey will now be closely watched as elections approach.
