NewKerala.com

Leander Paes Joins BJP, Meets PM Modi to Discuss Sports & Youth

Former tennis star Leander Paes met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi a day after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. PM Modi praised Paes's accomplishments and their discussion on sports and nation-building. Paes had joined the BJP in the presence of Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Sukanta Majumdar, marking his formal political entry ahead of the electoral season. The tennis legend, a recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Padma Bhushan, had previously been associated with Mamata Banerjee's TMC in 2021.

Key Points: Leander Paes Joins BJP, Meets PM Modi in New Delhi

  • Paes officially joins BJP
  • Meets PM Modi in New Delhi
  • Discusses sports and youth development
  • Previously associated with TMC
  • Union Ministers welcome his entry
2 min read

Former Tennis legend Leander Paes meets PM Modi in New DelhI

Tennis legend Leander Paes meets PM Modi after joining BJP. Discusses sports, youth, and nation-building with Union Ministers present.

"Had a great meeting with Leander Paes. India is very proud of his accomplishments. - Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, April 1

Olympic medalist and former Tennis star Leander Paes met Prime Minister Narendra Modi just a day after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party in New Delhi on Wednesday.

PM Modi, in a post on X, said, "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."

On Tuesday, Paes officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Sukanta Majumdar, marking his entry into the political arena ahead of the upcoming electoral season.

The tennis legend Leander Paes previously debuted in politics with the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC in 2021.

Expressing his gratitude for the new platform, the tennis ace remarked, "Today is a big day in my life. I want to thank the PM, HM, and Nitin Nabin ji. I am really grateful for the way the BJP has given me this opportunity to serve sports, sports education, and the youth."

Welcoming the sporting legend into the party fold, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "This is a moment to celebrate as the iconic Leander Paes has joined the BJP. I clearly foresee that you will play a bigger innings on the BJP platform. Your joining the BJP will ensure that the Khelo India movement gains further momentum."

Paes still holds the crown of the most successful tennis player in the country and has enjoyed unprecedented success on the court. He received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India's highest sporting honour, in 1996-97, the Arjuna Award in 1990, the Padma Shri award in 2001 and India's third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan prize in January 2014.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting move. He was with TMC just a few years ago. I respect his sporting achievements immensely, but this political switching makes one wonder about the consistency of ideology. Hope his focus remains genuinely on sports and youth.
P
Priya S
Wow! From winning Olympic medals to joining politics. His experience can really help shape better policies for athletes. Khelo India needs such icons to inspire the next generation. Good luck, Leander sir!
R
Rohit P
Another celebrity joining BJP before elections. This feels more like a strategic move by the party than a genuine political calling for Paes. Let's see if he actually contributes or just remains a famous face.
K
Kavya N
He is a Padma Bhushan awardee and a sports legend. If anyone can understand the struggles of Indian athletes and work for better infrastructure, it's him. Hope he uses his voice effectively for the sports community.
M
Michael C
As an observer of Indian politics, this is a smart acquisition for the BJP. Paes carries a legacy of discipline and success. His appeal cuts across generations. The meeting with PM Modi signals his importance in their campaign.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50