"I think it's probably going to take another 10 years to produce a Grand Slam champion" - Leander Paes on Indian tennis

Indian tennis stalwart Leander Paes believes it will take another 10 years for another Grand Slam champion to emerge from the nation. He urged former players to have a stronger focus on nurturing grassroots talent.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Tennis Premier League (TPL) auctions, Paes emphasized the need for former players and the sporting community to contribute toward building a robust system to foster young talent.

"I think it's probably going to take another 10 years to produce a Grand Slam champion. I think that the focus needs to be on the grassroots base level and then the feeder system coming up, then you churn out the numbers," Leander Paes was quoted as saying by PTI.

He also explained that while India has vast and untapped potential, the responsibility lies on former players and sports administrators to identify and pick up talent from sections of society who aren't exposed to the opportunities.

"I 100% believe we have tremendous talent in India, but I believe it's people like myself along with the governance, along with the whole sporting fraternity, to reach out to that talent in rural areas in places where maybe those children are not as fortunate as you and I, to have the parents who gave us that platform to stand on," Paes added.

Leander Paes has been inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame recently. His vision extends beyond producing individual champions, aiming instead to create a pipeline of talent that could elevate India’s stature in international sports.

"I think it's a responsibility for us to reach out there and find that talent, test that talent and once you pick it, bring it into academies where you nurture the talent," he said..

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Leander Paes's vision for the 2036 Olympics

Leander Paes has been an influential figure in Indian tennis - Source: Getty

With India aspiring to host the 2036 Olympics, Leander Paes envisions a future where the nation hosts prestigious sporting events and also becomes a force on the world stage by winning more medals.

"I really feel that if India is going to be a powerhouse to showcase ourselves at the 2036 Olympics, we've got 12 years to do it," Paes said in the same interaction.

He believes former athletes like himself, and government bodies, can play a crucial role in making India a sporting powerhouse.

"I humbly believe that people like myself and people in governance can make a big push to make India a powerhouse in sport and showcase ourselves not by just holding the Olympics, god willing we'll get it, and we'll have to work hard to get it, because the competition is fierce. "But also if and when we get it, to actually win lots of medals, that's really the victory in my opinion," Paes explained.