He is the man who turned a 1996 Olympic bronze into a national awakening and transformed the “Leander-Mahesh” partnership into a global doubles dynasty. With a record 18 Grand Slam titles and a career that spanned four decades, Leander Paes has spent his life making the impossible look like a simple volley at the net. But on Saturday, the International Tennis Hall of Famer traded his racket for a podium, addressing the media not as an athlete, but as a dedicated member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The transition from the baseline to the frontlines of politics was marked by a poignant, emotionally charged press conference. Paes didn’t just talk policy; he spoke of a “crumbling” Bengal—a state he believes is currently bleeding talent and ambition.
The Emptiness in the East
Paes voiced a deep-seated frustration regarding the current trajectory of West Bengal. He highlighted a troubling trend: the mass exodus of the state’s youth seeking better horizons in sports and education elsewhere.
“It pains me to see people moving out of the state for opportunities that should be available right here,” Paes remarked.
Perhaps most striking was his observation on the psychological divide growing in the region. He noted that whenever he speaks to locals, they often speak of making “the country and West Bengal” proud—a phrasing that, to him, suggests a growing sense of detachment, as if the state is no longer seen as an intrinsic part of the Indian whole.
A Son of the Soil with a Global Vision
Though his father’s roots trace back to the sun-soaked shores of Goa, Paes was born and raised in the heart of Bengal. “I am a son of Bengal,” he stated with visible emotion, reaffirming that his commitment to the state is personal, not just political.
His blueprint for a “Superpower India” is built on the foundation he knows best: The Sporting Ecosystem.
• Infrastructure: Reviving the state’s crumbling facilities.
• Education: Integrating sports into the core curriculum.
• Ancillary Industries: Developing the “adjacent” businesses—from sports medicine to equipment manufacturing—to climb the list of the world’s most powerful economies.
The New Partnership
Paes took a moment to extend his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising the leadership for giving a “guy from Bengal” the chance to serve the nation on a grander stage. For Paes, this isn’t just a career change; it’s a mission to ensure that the next generation of champions doesn’t have to leave home to find their greatness.
