West Bengal Elections: India’s legendary tennis player Leander Paes joins BJP, says – this is a big day of my life

New Delhi. Amidst the West Bengal Assembly elections, Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has joined BJP on Tuesday. His move has become a topic of much discussion in political circles. Paes, who is counted among India’s most successful tennis players. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar were also present on this occasion. Paes’s joining the party is considered important from the politics of West Bengal. At present, the election atmosphere in West Bengal is getting heated and all the political parties are busy strengthening their strategy.

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What did Kiran Rijiju say about Leander?

On this occasion, Rijiju said that Leander Paes joining the BJP family is historic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has continuously promoted sports and players in the last 12 years. Leander called it the most special day of his life. He said, this is a big day of my life. I want to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Nitin Nabin. This is a big opportunity for me to serve sports and youth.

Renowned tennis player Leander Paes joins BJP in the presence of senior BJP leaders in New Delhi. #JoinBJP pic.twitter.com/z7LQz3VFC4

— BJP (@BJP4India) March 31, 2026

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‘Now I will work for the youth’

Leander Paes has won Olympic medals and many Grand Slams for India and now he is going to play his new innings in the field of politics. His joining BJP shows that the party wants to strengthen its hold by associating big faces from the sports world with itself. Recalling his career, Paes said that now he is ready to take on new responsibilities. He said, I have played for the country for 40 years, now is the time to serve the youth. Leander Paes also appreciated the sports schemes of the Central Government. He said that Khelo India Movement and TOPS Scheme are very wonderful initiatives. I have seen how hard Kiren Rijiju worked for the performance of the players in the Tokyo Olympics. He played the role given to him by the Prime Minister very well.

Paes speaks on lack of sports facilities in Bengal

Paes also spoke openly on the lack of sports facilities in Bengal. He said that India is the youngest country in the world. We should focus on sports education in the next 20-25 years. In 1986, there was not much sports infrastructure in West Bengal. Even today there is a shortage of indoor tennis courts in Bengal. Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Bihar can do better, but we have to focus on motivating and empowering the youth through sports education. My dream is to start an equal opportunity scholarship program for women empowerment in India.

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Big message before Bengal elections

BJP hopes that Paes’ popularity will have a positive impact especially on young and sports loving voters. Although it is not yet clear whether Paes will contest the elections or not, it is believed that he can play an important role in the election campaign. His image and experience can prove to be a strong face for the party.