NewKerala.com

Leander Paes Vows to Serve India Under PM Modi's "Impeccable" Leadership

Former tennis champion Leander Paes has pledged his full commitment to serving the nation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, which he describes as "impeccable." He stated his mission is to empower India's youth through sports and sports education, a goal inspired by his father. Paes dismissed critics who label him an "outsider" in West Bengal politics, citing his ancestral roots and his inspirational impact after winning an Olympic medal. The Olympian officially joined the BJP in late March, marking a significant shift after a brief earlier stint with the TMC.

Key Points: Leander Paes Pledges Service to Nation Under PM Modi's Leadership

  • Paes praises PM Modi's leadership
  • Vows to empower youth through sports
  • Dismisses 'outsider' label in Bengal politics
  • Joined BJP in March 2024
2 min read

PM Modi's leadership is impeccable; I will follow our leader: Former tennis ace Leander Paes vows nation service under BJP

Former tennis star Leander Paes commits to following PM Modi's vision for sports and youth empowerment after joining BJP, dismissing 'outsider' claims in Bengal.

"Whatever he requires me to do... I will follow our leader. I think his vision and his leadership skills are impeccable - Leander Paes"

Kolkata, April 16

Former Indian tennis star and BJP leader Leander Paes on Thursday pledged his commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's impeccable leadership.

Speaking to ANI, Paes lauded PM Modi's leadership skills, stating, "Every team has a leader, a captain, and I have played on many teams in my life. Our leader is our PM Narendra Modi. Whatever he requires me to do to empower our state and country, run sports in our country, I will follow our leader. I think his vision and his leadership skills are impeccable".

Speaking on his transition from sports to politics, the Olympian described his dedication to national service, driven by his father's desire for him to uplift the country through sports.

"People like me normally stay away because of the fear of politics, but my Baba left me with a message to empower the 500 million children through sports and sports education... My heart beats for India and the Tiranga, I will work hard," he said.

Addressing critics who have labelled him an "outsider" in West Bengal politics, Paes dismissed the claims.

"I don't get hurt by these things because if you go back to the 17th century, my forefathers were Bengali. After I won my Olympic medal in 1996, lots of young Indian children felt they could also win... The same goes for politics," he stated.

Highlighting the Prime Minister's belief that sports and youth can empower the nation, he said, "With PM Modi, I talked about issues in Bengal... he said, 'Youth and sports can empower a nation'. Under the leadership of PM Modi, I will serve our country," Paes stated.

Leander Paes officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Sukanta Majumdar on March 31, marking his entry into the political arena ahead of the assembly polls in five states.

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

Paes is a legend who will always be remembered for popularising tennis in India and for his contribution to the sport. 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

P
Priya S
While I respect Leander Paes as a tennis legend, I'm not sure about this constant praising of one leader as "impeccable". In a democracy, healthy criticism is important. I hope he focuses on his stated goal of empowering children through sports, regardless of the party.
R
Rohit P
His heart beats for the Tiranga, that's what matters most. If he can use his fame and experience to improve sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, especially in smaller towns, it will be a huge service to the nation. All the best to him!
S
Sarah B
Interesting move. He was with TMC just a couple of years ago? Makes you wonder if this is genuine ideology or just political opportunism. Celebrities jumping parties doesn't inspire much confidence in their long-term commitment.
V
Vikram M
As a Bengali, I welcome him. His forefathers were from here, and he's an Indian first. If he can bring positive change and focus on youth development in West Bengal, that's what counts. The "outsider" tag in Indian politics is overused.
K
Karthik V
His father's message about empowering 500 million children through sports is a powerful vision. That should be the headline, not just which party he joins. Hope he stays true to that core mission. We need more sports education in schools desperately.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50