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Don’t miss Martina Navratilova inducting Leander Paes into 2024 International Tennis Hall of Fame

My Kolkata wishes the tennis star heartfelt congratulations on his monumental achievement

Born to two Olympians, Leander Paes was perhaps destined for greatness in sports from the start. Winning the bronze medal in men’s singles at the 1996 Olympic Games, he set the stage for a career that would transform Indian tennis. From the streets of Calcutta to 18 Grand Slam titles and a record seven Olympic appearances, Leander Paes has always made India proud.

 To cap off all his achievements and contributions to the sport of tennis, he was honoured when he was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport. Becoming the second Indian, after Vijay Amritraj who was inducted moments before Leander, it was an emotional event. Leander showed more emotions than he did on court. His reactions to seeing his items at the museum says it all. An emotional Leander took to the stage after the most beautiful introduction by his former mixed doubles partner Martina Navratilova. With his induction being handed to him by his daughter Aiyana Paes, the moment was even more special. 

Check out Leander’s reactions and the honour he was bestowed with on Instagram. 

My Kolkata congratulates and celebrates the journey of one of the greatest athletes from the streets of Kolkata. Congratulations, Leander! You have not only made India proud but also inspired millions around the world to pick up a racket.

—Debrup Chaudhuri