“It is always about competing for medals” – Leander Paes eyes medal in Tokyo Olympics

“It is always about competing for medals” – Leander Paes eyes medal in Tokyo Olympics

Leander Paes

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Leander Paes

Leander Paes who has won India’s only Olympic medal in tennis with his bronze in the 1996 Atlanta Games has stated that he hopes to compete in the Tokyo Olympics. The 48-year-old has further expressed hope that the already postponed games will go ahead now as planned and would give him an opportunity to make his country yet again by winning a medal.

Earlier, in December, 2019, Paes had stated his decision to retire after the Olympic Games in 2020. After the Games were postponed, the tennis star further confirmed that he will still take part in the Games when they do happen with the hopes of adding to the medal he won in 1996.

‘Everything I have done is for the flag and our people’

Leander Paes 1996 Olympic Bronze Medal 1
Leander Paes at the 1996 Olympics

Speaking about his Olympic prospects, Leadner Paes talked at an event organized by Motovolt and said, “It is not just about the participation. It is always about competing and aiming for medals. We are still waiting for the calendar to be announced for 2021. The Australian Open has already been pushed back. We don’t know if it will happen. We don’t know if the Tokyo Olympics will happen. But we hope that the vaccine comes out and we distribute fast so that all of us can get it.”

“Everything I have done is for the flag and for our people. I have done in the past – playing with Rohan (Bopanna), Mahesh (Bhupathi). Even Ankita Raina has done really well. So, regardless of which partner I play with, it would be great if we can push it to eight Olympics and India can get the world record. We hope Tokyo comes around and the event happens, and [I am sure] India will represent its best [team],” Paes signed off.

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