NEW DELHI: Indian tennis great Leander Paes on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, calling it a “big opportunity to serve the youth” as he steps into public life ahead of key elections. The 51-year-old, who remains one of India’s most decorated athletes, was inducted into the party in the presence of Union ministers including Kiren Rijiju.Marking the transition from sport to politics, Paes described the move as a moment of responsibility rather than symbolism. “This party membership slip is not just a slip but a responsibility to serve the nation,” he said, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the opportunity. He added that India’s young population presents a crucial moment to expand sports education and infrastructure, saying he hopes to contribute meaningfully in that space.Rijiju welcomed the tennis icon’s entry, saying he expects Paes to “play a bigger innings” in politics and boost initiatives such as the Khelo India programme. BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar also backed the move, saying Paes’ appeal among young people could strengthen the party’s outreach, particularly in West Bengal where elections are approaching.Paes’ political journey comes full circle after a brief stint with the Trinamool Congress, which he joined in 2021 and campaigned for during the Goa elections. His switch to the BJP now places him among a growing list of high-profile sportspersons entering politics.On the court, Paes built a career spanning more than three decades, winning 18 Grand Slam titles across men’s and mixed doubles and securing a historic bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. His partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi — dubbed the “Indian Express” — brought global recognition to Indian tennis, while his Davis Cup performances made him a national figure.Reflecting on his journey, Paes said he had “played for the country for 40 years” and now wants to focus on empowering youth through sport, including promoting equal opportunity scholarships for women. His entry into politics signals an attempt to translate sporting legacy into public service, as he prepares for a new and more complex arena beyond the baseline.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’I Want To See India A Super Power By…’: Ex-Tennis Star Leander Paes Joins BJP Before Bengal PollsFrom Naxal Charge To Owaisi Praise: Shah’s Top 7 Shock MomentsUS Strike At Mashhad Airport Hits India-Bound Mahar Air Flight, Iran Calls It Violation Of LawStampede Horror At Nalanda’s Sheetla Temple Amid Big Rush, Multiple Casualties Feared In BiharWhen Art Crosses The Line: Pink Elephant’s Death After Russian Artist’s Viral Photoshoot Sparks Row’Best Of Luck’: Ex-RAW Chief Vikram Sood Warns Of War’s Impact As India Walks Diplomatic Tightrope10 India-Bound Ships Stuck In Persian Gulf Trigger Major Energy Concerns’Sonia, Rahul’s Communist Advisors’: Kangana Ranaut Launches Attack On Congress, Lauds PM ModiAmit Shah Flags Russia-China Influence During CPI, CPI(M) Formation; Slams Bhagat Singh ComparisonCensus Goes Fully Digital: How India Will Count Its Population With Apps, Data And Self-Entry123Photostories5 strange royal family rules still enforced today: From no hugs to packing mourning clothes while travellingSouth Western Railway rolls out LHB coaches on key routes; what we knowSimple garden hacks with household items to grow healthier plants naturallyScenes of panic: How sudden rush triggered stampede at Bihar temple; 8 dead10 essential soft skills you’re never taught — But need to succeed in lifeSummer Diet: How to make desi Watermelon Rice that impressed Chef Marco Pierre WhiteSummer Holidays: 6 Places every parent should take their kidsIndia’s rarest state birds – places you can still see themWhy your body is no longer responding to exercise: Hidden causes of exercise slump and how to break through them effectivelyForget summer coolers & energy drinks: 6 desi foods farmers eat and drink to survive extreme heat in the field123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Match TodayRajasthan Board 12th Science ResultVaibhav SooryavanshiKarnataka 1st PUC ResultsUS Iran WarKolkata Assembly ElectionBihar Temple NewsRavindra JadejaPakistan terror groupsBank Holiday this week
NEW DELHI: Indian tennis great Leander Paes on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, calling it a “big opportunity to serve the youth” as he steps into public life ahead of key elections. The 51-year-old, who remains one of India’s most decorated athletes, was inducted into the party in the presence of Union ministers including Kiren Rijiju.Marking the transition from sport to politics, Paes described the move as a moment of responsibility rather than symbolism. “This party membership slip is not just a slip but a responsibility to serve the nation,” he said, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the opportunity. He added that India’s young population presents a crucial moment to expand sports education and infrastructure, saying he hopes to contribute meaningfully in that space.Rijiju welcomed the tennis icon’s entry, saying he expects Paes to “play a bigger innings” in politics and boost initiatives such as the Khelo India programme. BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar also backed the move, saying Paes’ appeal among young people could strengthen the party’s outreach, particularly in West Bengal where elections are approaching.Paes’ political journey comes full circle after a brief stint with the Trinamool Congress, which he joined in 2021 and campaigned for during the Goa elections. His switch to the BJP now places him among a growing list of high-profile sportspersons entering politics.On the court, Paes built a career spanning more than three decades, winning 18 Grand Slam titles across men’s and mixed doubles and securing a historic bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. His partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi — dubbed the “Indian Express” — brought global recognition to Indian tennis, while his Davis Cup performances made him a national figure.Reflecting on his journey, Paes said he had “played for the country for 40 years” and now wants to focus on empowering youth through sport, including promoting equal opportunity scholarships for women. His entry into politics signals an attempt to translate sporting legacy into public service, as he prepares for a new and more complex arena beyond the baseline.
