Leander Paes to exhibit his trophies in International Tennis Hall of Fame

On July 20, the celebrated Indian tennis legend Leander Paes will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The prestigious ceremony will take place at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, United States.

On the occasion, Paes will showcase four of his most prized trophies, one each from the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. He will also display four runner-up trophies, using them to tell his story of struggle and victories. One of the most significant pieces of memorabilia Paes will display is his 1996 Olympic bronze medal, a historic win for India.

The display will also include a tennis racquet used at Wimbledon, a towel from his 2016 French Open victory with Martina Hingis, his Davis Cup blazer, and his 1996 Olympic tracksuit. Announcing this plan at a Wimbledon-themed evening at New Delhi's Taj Hotel, Paes added a touch of drama to the momentous occasion. Here's what Leander Paes was quoted as saying:

"I will be showcasing four Grand Slam winning trophies – from the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open, as well as four runners-up trophies since my father always reminds me of the 16 finals I've lost. Additionally, I am sharing my 1996 Olympic bronze medal with the Hall of Fame."

"There will also be a tennis racquet from Wimbledon, a towel from my 2016 French Open win with Martina Hingis, my Davis Cup blazer, and my 1996 Olympic tracksuit," he added.

Joining Paes in the Class of 2024 is another Indian tennis great, Vijay Amritraj. As part of the ceremony, Amritraj will showcase his 1983 Padma Shri award. This rare honor underlines the contributions both players have made toward the sport.

Paes' induction into the Hall of Fame finally creates a fitting acknowledgment of his enduring legacy and glittering career, replete with 18 Grand Slam titles and being a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors. That historic bronze at Atlanta in the 1996 Olympics was almost like water to parched throats, the source for enduring national pride—it motivated many an athlete to dream big.

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Dan Faber describes Leander Paes as an icon of tennis

According to Dan Faber, CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the induction of Paes was magical, as only 274 players have managed to earn the distinction in the history of the sport. He went on to describe Leander Paes as an icon of tennis.

“It is not easy to be inducted, there are only 274 people in the history of the sport in the International Tennis Hall of Fame. It is magical and Leander Paes is one of those icons,” said Dan Faber.

There is no doubt that Paes's induction will serve as an inspiration for young boys and girls who wish to take up the sport professionally.