Tennis legend Leander Paes has made a surprising entry into active politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a development that adds fresh momentum to the party’s campaign ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled later this year. The move comes as political activity in the state intensifies with polling just weeks away.
Paes, a former world No. 1 doubles specialist and one of India’s most decorated tennis players, was recently seen meeting top BJP leaders in Delhi. The discussions reportedly centred on his formal induction into the party and a possible role in the upcoming election campaign.
Paes said, “I played for the country for 40 years, now it’s time to serve the youth. Kehlo India Movement and the TOPS scheme are really great initiatives. I know with how much passion Kiren Rijiju ji has worked towards our contingent's performance in the Tokyo Olympics. He fulfilled his responsibility given to him by the PM.”
The tennis legend highlighted India’s young population as a key opportunity to strengthen sports education. “Today, India is the youngest nation in the world. We should focus on sports education in the next 20–25 years,” he said, recalling the lack of sports infrastructure in West Bengal in 1986 and pointing out that even today, the country lacks sufficient indoor tennis courts.
With his vast experience in international sports and his commitment to youth development, Paes’s entry into BJP is seen as a move to strengthen the party’s outreach in sports and education, especially ahead of upcoming state elections.
