Indian tennis legend Leander Paes was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island on Saturday, recognising a career that spans three decades and includes 18 Grand Slam doubles and mixed-doubles titles. Paes, 51, was introduced by his long-time doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi at the ceremony and received a standing ovation from hundreds of tennis fans who had gathered to witness the historic moment. He is only the second Indian after Vijay Amritraj to receive the honour.
In his acceptance speech, Paes thanked India for giving him the drive to compete and his mother Jennifer for keeping him grounded through all the highs and lows. Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu both shared congratulatory messages. Paes also holds the record for the most Olympic appearances by an Indian tennis player with seven, and won India first individual Olympic medal in 44 years at Atlanta 1996 with a bronze in singles. The Hall of Fame currently has 265 inductees from across the world.