Leander Paes Joins BJP Ahead of West Bengal Elections, Begins Political Journey After Tennis Success

West Bengal, April 2026 : Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the upcoming West Bengal elections, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career. Paes joined the party in the presence of senior leaders, including Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, sparking widespread media attention and speculation about his political ambitions.

The 50-year-old tennis star recently met with BJP chief Nitin Navin in Kolkata, fueling rumors about his entry into politics. Paes had earlier joined the Trinamool Congress in 2021 and campaigned for the party during the 2022 Goa elections, though he did not contest. Now, he has formally shifted allegiance to the BJP, signaling his readiness to enter the political arena in West Bengal.

Born in Kolkata, Paes spent over 40 years on the tennis court, becoming one of India’s most successful and celebrated doubles and mixed doubles players. Tennis runs in his family. His father, the late Wes Paes, was a member of the Indian hockey team that won bronze at the 1972 Olympics, while his mother, Jennifer, was a leading figure in Indian basketball. Leander moved to Chennai at the age of 12 to train at the Amritraj Tennis Academy, laying the foundation for his future achievements.

Paes’ junior career was marked by early success. In 1990, he won the Wimbledon Juniors title and became the world No. 1 junior player at just 17. He turned professional in 1991, representing India in the Davis Cup and achieving notable singles success, including winning one ATP title. His career-high singles ranking was No. 73. At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Paes won a bronze medal, earning India its first singles Olympic medal in 44 years and cementing his place in sporting history.

However, Paes’ most remarkable achievements came in doubles, where he amassed a career record of 770 wins and 457 losses, winning 55 ATP titles and reaching world No. 1 in 1999. His legendary partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi produced four Grand Slam victories, including the French Open and Wimbledon in 1999. Over the years, Paes also partnered with several international stars, continuing to dominate the doubles circuit.

Having conquered the world of tennis, Paes now embarks on a new challenge in politics. His entry into the BJP is seen as a strategic move by the party ahead of crucial elections in West Bengal, where his popularity and public recognition could influence voter sentiment. From the tennis court to the political stage, Leander Paes’ journey reflects his enduring drive to achieve excellence in every field he chooses.

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