India legends Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame

In a historic moment, former India tennis professionals Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj were inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday (July 20). The legendary duo became the first Asian men to receive this prestigious recognition at a ceremony held at the Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. 

Former doubles World No. 1, Paes, and Padma Shri winner, sports commentator and actor, Amritraj, were joined by British tennis journalist, Richard Evans. He was one of the founding members of the International Tennis Writers Association (ITWA) in 2000 and served as its President from 2001 to 2004.

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The honour ceremony included a press conference hosted by Patrick McEnroe, Dan Faber and Kim Clijsters. Speaking at the conference, Paes recounted his youth playing football and hockey before taking up tennis. He recalled giving up a European football scholarship to join the Britannia Amritraj Tennis Academy.  

"It's my greatest honour to be on this stage with not only these legends of the game, people who have inspired me every single day of my life -- not because you've only won Grand Slams, not because you've shaped our sport but every single one of these people have shaped the world we live in," Paes said.

"On the 12th of May, 1986, I gave up a European football scholarship and moved to Madras to join the Britannia Amritraj Tennis Academy,” Paes was quoted as saying.

The 51-year-old is regarded as one of the greatest doubles tennis players of all time. He holds the record for the most doubles wins in the Davis Cup. The Kolkata tennis star has won eight men's doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. 

A feeling that I had never experienced: Amritraj

Amritraj, who won 15 ATP singles titles and 399 matches during 1970 – 1993, dedicated the honour to his family and all his fellow Indians around the world. Notably, the 70-year had helped India to the Davis Cup finals in 1974 and 1987.

"I am humbled and honoured to join this incredible and exclusive group that have brought glory to our sport. A feeling came over me that I had never experienced," Amritraj said. 

"This was an honour not just for me, for my family, for my parents, but for all of my fellow Indians and my country who live around the world,” he added.  

Notably, Amritraj was honoured for his contributions to the sport in London by the International Tennis Hall of Fame and International Tennis Federation. The Madras tennis star is also acclaimed in sports commentary and acting. 

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