The Indian representation in the folklores of lawn tennis are few and far between. The Krishnans and the Amritrajs created some news back in the 60s and the 70s while Sania Mirza hogged limelight for the first time in the mid 2000s. But one man who has been the spearhead of Indian tennis and been a remarkable ambassador of the sport is non other than Leander Paes.
First gaining instant stardom by clinching Olympic bronze at the Atlanta games in 1996, Leander has always ascended in stature as India's best bet in the sport. The majority of the accolades in his career though was due his performance in the doubles- both Men and Mixed where his partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi in the former, is etched into the psyche of every Indian tennis aficionado.
Today is not about those zillion records, not about the passion he has had, the controversies he has faced nor about his unrestrained gestures on and off the court. Today is about longevity, about the unnerving spirit to achieve something that he always longed to. The elusive crown missing from the decorated cabinet celebrating an illustrious career. Yes, today is about the French Open Mixed Doubles crown (he eked out a breathtaking display of tennis toppling second seeds in the final).
The oldest ever to win a career grand slam, first and only Tennis player Indian to participate in 6 Olympic Games, more than a hundred partners played with...some of the stats that exhibit traits of a long career nurtured by zeal and constant intention to improve.
He is undoubtedly on of the few exponents, other name coming to mind is Vishwanathan Anand, who have made a mark nationally and globally being citizens of country under cricket hegemony. Coming from a sporting family (his father Vece played hockey for India), the marking was always on the wall. But, even the great Leander Paes would agree to the fact the he never expected to have a career as long as this. Not just winning a grand slam at 43 but to play arguably one of the most physical sports at international level makes him an immortal entry into the Tennis Walk of Fame.
India salutes you!
First gaining instant stardom by clinching Olympic bronze at the Atlanta games in 1996, Leander has always ascended in stature as India's best bet in the sport. The majority of the accolades in his career though was due his performance in the doubles- both Men and Mixed where his partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi in the former, is etched into the psyche of every Indian tennis aficionado.
Today is not about those zillion records, not about the passion he has had, the controversies he has faced nor about his unrestrained gestures on and off the court. Today is about longevity, about the unnerving spirit to achieve something that he always longed to. The elusive crown missing from the decorated cabinet celebrating an illustrious career. Yes, today is about the French Open Mixed Doubles crown (he eked out a breathtaking display of tennis toppling second seeds in the final).
The oldest ever to win a career grand slam, first and only Tennis player Indian to participate in 6 Olympic Games, more than a hundred partners played with...some of the stats that exhibit traits of a long career nurtured by zeal and constant intention to improve.
He is undoubtedly on of the few exponents, other name coming to mind is Vishwanathan Anand, who have made a mark nationally and globally being citizens of country under cricket hegemony. Coming from a sporting family (his father Vece played hockey for India), the marking was always on the wall. But, even the great Leander Paes would agree to the fact the he never expected to have a career as long as this. Not just winning a grand slam at 43 but to play arguably one of the most physical sports at international level makes him an immortal entry into the Tennis Walk of Fame.
India salutes you!
