By IANS,
Kolkata : Indian Davis Cup team captain Leander Paes said Friday that he plans to start a tennis academy in the city soon.
“I have been toying with the idea for some time. I was born in this city and I learnt my tennis here. My parents also live here, Its time to pay back something to tennis as well as to the city,” Paes told reporters. He said the academy – Leander Paes Centre for Excellence – would come up in a 10-acre plot in the city.
“I met West Bengal Sports Minister Subhas Chakrborty today (Friday). He assured me a ten-acre plot for the academy, which will be of international standards with all the modern amenities,” said Paes, who has won seven grand slam titles, including four men’s doubles and three mixed doubles, in his career.
Asked about his participation in forthcoming Beijing Olympics, he said: “Yes I would play in Beijing Olympics as nominated by Indian Olympic Association and All India Tennis Association. I’m looking forward to the Olympics.”
“Chance of for winning a medal is quite bright,” added Paes, who won a bronze medal at Atlanta Olympics in 1996.
Leander also said that the city will host a tennis event – tournament of legends -in September that will see many past top players of the game like Pat Cash, Matts Willander, Michael Stich, Martina Navratilova and Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario participating.