Tennis Legend Advocates for Grassroots Transformation
Tennis icon Leander Paes believes it will take India another decade to produce a Grand Slam champion, highlighting the urgent need for grassroots development within the sport. Speaking at the Tennis Premier League auction, Paes emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and identifying potential stars in rural areas.
Focus on Grassroots Development
“I think it’s probably going to take another 10 years to produce a Grand Slam champion,” Paes stated, underscoring the necessity of building a strong foundation in grassroots tennis. He advocates for a systematic approach that starts from the ground up, creating a robust feeder system to develop future champions.
Untapped Potential in Rural Areas
Paes, a recent inductee into the Tennis Hall of Fame and an 18-time Grand Slam titleholder, expressed his belief that India possesses significant untapped potential, particularly in rural regions. He urged the sporting community and former athletes to actively scout for talent in underserved areas, emphasizing, “We have tremendous talent in India, but it’s our responsibility to reach out, find that talent, test it, and nurture it in academies.”
Vision for a Sporting Powerhouse
Looking ahead to India’s ambitions to host the 2036 Olympics and rank among the top 10 nations in the medals tally, Paes reiterated the importance of former players and effective governance in achieving this vision. “If India wants to be a powerhouse by the 2036 Olympics, we have 12 years to achieve that. It’s not just about hosting the Olympics, but also about winning medals,” he remarked.
Current Controversies in Tennis Governance
The upcoming All India Tennis Association (AITA) elections on September 28 have been marred by controversy, with tennis stars Somdev Devvarman and Purav Raja challenging the process due to alleged violations of the Sports Code. While Paes chose not to delve into the legal disputes, he called for peaceful dialogue, stating, “Any differences can be resolved through dialogue.”
Celebrating Recent Success
Paes also celebrated the recent achievements of Indian tennis players Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth, who won the doubles title at the ATP 250 Hangzhou Open 2024. He praised their dedication, saying, “Jeevan’s passion and exuberance on the court are fantastic,” and encouraged all young players striving to make their mark internationally.
With a clear vision for the future, Leander Paes continues to inspire the next generation of tennis talent in India, emphasizing the critical steps needed to elevate the sport on the global stage.
