Pictures by Bibhash Lodh/BS News Agency.
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: Indian tennis legend Leander Paes recently joined the BJP—a move of considerable significance ahead of the state's upcoming Assembly elections. He formally joined the party just a few days ago, in the presence of several top-ranking leaders, including Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister of State Dr. Sukanta Majumdar. Naturally, there is now speculation regarding whether he will contest the upcoming polls as a candidate. Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata on Saturday, Leander Paes stated, "I was born in Kolkata; this is my motherland. My journey in tennis began at the South Club in Kolkata. I completed my schooling at La Martiniere, and my sporting activities took place at the Maidan in Kolkata. I learned every sport right here in this city of Kolkata. Kolkata also boasts a rich and extensive sporting history."
He further added, "Bengal currently lacks a dedicated stadium for tennis. There isn't a single indoor tennis court here. Due to the extreme heat and the monsoon rains, children here are unable to play. Norman Pritchard was born here in 1900. To date, only four individuals from Kolkata have won Olympic medals—just four medalists in over a century. No improvements have been made to the infrastructure. Narendra Modi summoned me to Delhi. I extend my gratitude to him for the immense warmth and sincerity with which he—a son of Bengal himself—spoke to me. I conveyed to him that I would not allow Bengal to be reduced to an 'old-age home'; the youth of this region must be equipped with vocational skills. We must significantly improve sports education and infrastructure within Bengal."
In Leander's words, "Modi has entrusted me with a set of seven key visions. His overarching vision centers on the advancement of the sports sector. He has granted a son of Bengal the opportunity to serve the nation. He has set specific goals for the development of sports and the empowerment of the youth. In the days ahead, my team and I will embrace these challenges and move forward with this mission. We will transform our nation into a 'superpower.' Modi has placed special emphasis on my role regarding the development of sports and the youth. By 2036, the nation will witness a vastly different outcome. This 'game' of politics is new to me; however, I intend to carry out my duties with absolute integrity. I will not speak ill of anyone." "Within 20 years, I will shape the future of 250 million children. I will work for the national team. It hurts me when someone questions my 'Bengali-ness.' I am a Bengali through and through. Yes, I am not Sourav Ganguly; my father was Portuguese. But he, too, was a man of this land. I belong to this country, and I have come here to serve the nation's youth. Whether in Bengal or in other states, I will carry out this work everywhere."
Additionally, Leander also spoke out regarding the controversy surrounding the Messi event. He remarked, "Look at the extent to which Messi was disrespected after arriving in Bengal. Had Sourav or Snehasish organized this, such a thing would never have happened. If someone from the world of sports had organized it, this situation would not have arisen."