Legendary Indian tennis star Leander Paes estimates it will take roughly a decade for the nation to produce another Grand Slam title winner. During Wednesday's Tennis Premier League (TPL) auctions, he made a passionate plea to former pros to help develop the next generation. Paes argues that if India wants to be a true sporting superpower—especially with the goal of hosting the 2036 Olympics and winning big—the focus must shift toward the grassroots. He believes that building a strong foundational base and an efficient pipeline of talent is the only way to produce world-class champions.
Paes is convinced that India is brimming with untapped potential. However, he stresses that the responsibility falls on veteran players, sports administrators, and the entire athletic community to reach out to rural youth who don't have the privilege of supportive parents or established platforms to launch their careers.
According to Paes, who was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, the mission is clear: find raw talent in remote areas, test their abilities, and bring them into academies for professional grooming. With India aiming to host the 2036 Olympics and break into the top 10 for medals, Paes insists that the involvement of former athletes is the key to elevating the country's overall sporting status.
Paes believes India has a 12-year window to cement its reputation as a sports powerhouse before the 2036 Games. He argues that while winning the bid to host the Olympics is a major goal—and one that requires immense hard work given the stiff competition—simply holding the event isn't enough. The real objective, in his view, is for India to showcase its strength by winning a significant number of medals on home soil.
Reflecting on his own success—which includes 18 Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles—Paes noted that true victory lies in athletic achievement. Meanwhile, the All-India Tennis Association is facing turmoil surrounding its September 28 elections. Legal challenges brought by former stars Somdev Devvarman and Purav Raja over alleged Sports Code violations have complicated the process. Paes suggests that these disputes should be resolved through calm, open dialogue.
The 51-year-old veteran emphasized his belief in inclusivity and the power of listening. He noted that while he is vocal about his views, he values hearing others' perspectives to understand the core of an issue. His hope is that parties can sit down, resolve their differences, and at the very least, maintain mutual respect to reach a positive outcome.
Paes recently praised the Indian duo of Vijay Sundar Prashanth and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan for their doubles victory at the ATP 250 Hangzhou Open 2024. Recalling a Davis Cup match where Jeevan played a pivotal role in his debut, Paes spoke warmly of Jeevan's energy and passion on the court, calling the pair's success in Hangzhou a fantastic achievement.
Closing his remarks, Paes expressed deep respect for young tennis players. He acknowledged the immense financial burden they carry, noting that many rely on their own savings or their families' hard-earned money to compete in international tournaments.