Heard about Leander Paes' Goan connection?

GONE VIRAL

These days, former ace tennis player from India, Leander Paes, is all over the internet, and for good reason!

THE FIRST INDIANS

Born to a Goan father, Vece Paes, Leander along with Padma Shri Vijay Amritraj, are the first Indian men to be inducted into the 2024 Tennis Hall of Fame for their contributions to the Indian tennis fraternity.

SPORTSMAN GENES

Hailing from the Goan village of Assolna, Vece Paes is a former Indian field hockey player who was part of the Indian team that won a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

MOTHER'S TOUCH

Leander's mother, Jennifer Paes is of Bengali descent, and is also a former basketball player who captained the Indian women's basketball team.

A MIX OF BOTH

Growing up, Leander was exposed to both, Goan as well as Bengali culture...

ONE FOOT HERE, THE OTHER THERE

…which has influenced his life in more ways than one, and turned out to be the perfect little amalgamation of two states.

HOMECOMING

Honouring his Goan roots, community and people, Leander is fond of Goa and visits often when time permits.

INSPIRING MANY

And, just like the Goan shoreline, he continues to send ripples of inspiration not only to the people here in Goa, but throughout the world.

NEXT: Photo: A taste of Bangalore in Goa's capital city, Panjim