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Leander Paes Aims to Build Tennis Legacy with New Academy and Rural Reach

Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has announced his vision to establish a professional tennis academy and develop infrastructure that reaches rural areas. He revealed these plans while speaking at the unveiling of a golf growth initiative, with which he is also partnering. Paes, who is the President of the Bengal Tennis Association, stated that enhancing tennis and sports across the country is a key goal. The eight-time Grand Slam champion believes his legacy and experience can significantly contribute to the sport's development in India.

Key Points: Leander Paes Plans Tennis Academy, Rural Infrastructure

  • Plans professional tennis academy
  • Aims to build rural sports infrastructure
  • Partners with golf initiative for Olympic vision
  • Elected President of Bengal Tennis Association
2 min read

"There is a lot I can give back to enhance sport of tennis": Leander Paes

Tennis legend Leander Paes announces plans for a professional academy and rural outreach to enhance the sport across India, leveraging his Bengal Tennis legacy.

"I feel that there is a lot I can give back to enhance the sport of tennis. - Leander Paes"

New Delhi, January 23

India's Olympic medalist and eight-time Grand Slam champion Leander Paes said that he aimed to "establish a professional academy and infrastructure" through the "wonderful legacy" created at Bengal Tennis.

Paes was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the unveiling of the 'Golf Growth Initiative,' by The Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL), in association with the Indian Golf Union (IGU), the Professional Golfers' Association of India (PGAI), and The Golf Foundation (TGF) on Thursday.

Paes, who has been serving as the president of Bengal Tennis Association since last year, is also partnering with IGPL to bring an Olympic-level vision to the golf infrastructure.

Speaking to the media, Paes said that he not only hopes to open the tennis academy, but also reach the rural areas through the infrastructure he is building.

"Tennis is very close to my heart because it is the sport and the vehicle I chose, and it has given me my life. Through the wonderful legacy created at Bengal Tennis, I aim to establish a professional academy and infrastructure that reaches rural areas. This is part of what I've just taken on, and shortly, you will see me getting more involved in developing tennis across the entire country... I feel that there is a lot I can give back to enhance the sport of tennis. So, I look forward to working with the powers that be to enhance sports in the entire country, with tennis and other sports," he added.

Having won the French Open and US Open thrice and the Australian Open, Wimbledon once each in men's doubles competition, with four of his titles coming with Mahesh Bhupathi and capturing 10 mixed doubles Grand Slam titles, Leander is one of the most successful Indian acts in tennis history. With his bronze medal in the 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta, he became the first Asian to secure a medal in tennis at the Olympics. These performances earned him a place in the International Tennis Hall of Fame 2024.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is wonderful news. His experience is invaluable. I just hope the focus remains on tennis and isn't diluted by his involvement with golf. We need a dedicated push for our tennis infrastructure.
R
Rohit P
Finally! A champion who wants to give back at the grassroots level. So many kids in small towns have potential but no access to proper coaching or courts. Hope he gets full support from the associations.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows global sports, India needs more icons like Paes in administrative roles. His Olympic-level vision for infrastructure is exactly what's required to build a sporting culture.
V
Vikram M
Hall of Famer for a reason! His legacy is secure, and now he's building one for future generations. Wishing him all the best. Hope the academy gets started soon.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see him partner with golf initiatives too. Cross-pollination of ideas between sports administrations could be beneficial. His drive is incredible.

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