In a move that has sent ripples through the political landscape of West Bengal, tennis legend Leander Paes formally traded the court for the campaign trail on Tuesday, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls. The Olympic medalist was inducted into the party at its state headquarters in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar.
Welcoming the tennis icon, Rijiju struck a nostalgic chord as he recalled Paes’s historic bronze medal win at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The Minister noted that at a time when India’s name rarely featured on the global medals tally, it was Paes who single-handedly put the nation on the Olympic map. "He has served the country through sport for decades; now, he will serve the nation through the platform of the BJP," Rijiju remarked, describing the induction as a "historic" moment for the party’s prospects in Bengal.
For Sukanta Majumdar, the MP from Balurghat, the arrival of such a high-profile sporting figure is seen as a significant boost for the party’s youth outreach in the state. He emphasised that Paes’s stature and discipline would help the BJP expand its footprint across West Bengal as the election machinery begins to grind into gear.
The former world number one appeared visibly moved during his first address as a politician. Reflecting on a career that spanned 40 years and countless Davis Cup ties, Paes told reporters that while his life had been dedicated to winning respect for his family and the flag, he now felt a calling to give back in a different capacity. "This is a new field for me," he admitted. "My brothers in the party have bestowed a great responsibility upon me, and I want to dedicate this next chapter to serving the nation and empowering the youth."
Paes concluded his remarks by expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, signaling his readiness to dive into the cut-and-thrust of Bengal politics just as the state prepares for a high-stakes two-phase election next month.
Also read: BJP releases fourth list of 13 candidates for Bengal polls
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