“Honoured to Serve India”: Leander Paes meets PM Modi after joining BJP

A day after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), tennis legend Leander Paes met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Following the meeting, Paes expressed his gratitude and admiration for the prime minister’s leadership.

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“Humbled by the leadership, energy, and passion of Shri Narendra Modi Ji for our nation. Honoured to be part of your team and to serve India under your guidance. Jai Hind Jai Bharat,” he wrote in response to Modi’s post on X (formerly Twitter).

Had a great meeting with Shri Leander Paes Ji. India is very proud of his accomplishments in tennis. We discussed a wide range of issues. His passion towards sports and nation building is truly admirable.@Leander pic.twitter.com/NPiw0OuIcH

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2026

Earlier, PM Modi had shared details of their interaction, highlighting Paes’ contributions to Indian sport. “Had a great meeting with Shri Leander Paes Ji. India is very proud of its accomplishments in tennis. We discussed a wide range of issues. His passion towards sports and nation-building is truly admirable,” the prime minister posted.

Paes formally joined the BJP on Tuesday, just ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. He thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for inducting him into the party and expressed his commitment to public service.

“Deeply honoured and grateful to Shri Amit Shah Ji for inducting me into the Bharatiya Janata Party and reposing his trust in me. I will strive to live up to his faith with dedication and sincerity. Till today, I wore the Tiranga on my chest. Now I carry it on my shoulders too and will work towards empowering our youth and strengthening sports across the nation,” Paes wrote.

He also acknowledged the support of BJP leader Nitin Nabin, crediting him for encouragement and belief as he begins his political journey. Paes emphasised his focus on youth development and the growth of sports in India.

The former tennis star officially joined the party in New Delhi in the presence of senior leaders, days after meeting Nitin Nabin in Kolkata—sparking speculation about his political move. Welcoming him, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju described Paes’ entry into the BJP as “historic,” citing his influence and the government’s work in supporting athletes.

Paes, a multiple Grand Slam winner and one of India’s most decorated tennis players, had previously entered politics with the All India Trinamool Congress in 2021. He later campaigned for the party during the Goa Assembly elections in 2022 but did not contest.

His switch to the BJP comes at a crucial juncture as political activity intensifies in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections. The contest is expected to be primarily between the ruling Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and the BJP, which is aiming to expand its presence in the state.

Polling for all 294 constituencies will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4, setting the stage for a closely watched political battle.