Kolkata, West Bengal: : Renowned Indian tennis player Leander Paes has officially entered politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday. The announcement was made at the party headquarters in the presence of senior leaders, including Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Sukanta Majumdar.

During the induction ceremony, Paes wore the party’s saffron scarf, marking his formal association with the BJP. According to party sources, he is expected to be nominated as a candidate in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. The elections are scheduled to be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with the counting of votes set for May 4.

Speaking on the occasion, Paes expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the BJP leadership for entrusting him with this responsibility. He stated that his decision to enter politics stems from a desire to contribute meaningfully to society rather than for personal benefit.

Paes highlighted his focus on youth development and sports promotion, noting that he intends to support initiatives such as ‘Khelo India’ in alignment with the government’s vision of nurturing young talent across the country.

Party insiders suggest that the BJP may field Paes from urban constituencies, particularly in Kolkata, where he enjoys considerable recognition. Strategists believe his strong public image and achievements in sports could resonate with urban voters, including the upper-middle-class segment and sports enthusiasts.

Widely regarded as one of India’s most accomplished tennis players, Paes has had an exceptional career, especially in doubles tennis. He won a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and has represented India in seven Olympic Games.

Throughout his career, Paes secured multiple Grand Slam titles in both men’s and mixed doubles, including victories at Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open. He also formed a successful partnership with fellow Indian tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, achieving several milestones in international tennis.

Currently, Paes serves as the president of the Bengal Tennis Association, continuing his contribution to the development of the sport at the regional level.