Tennis

Tokoyo 2020: Leander Paes fears he won’t be able to get his final wish

 

Veteran India tennis player, Leander Paes has organizers of the Tokyo 2020 may not be able to pull off hosting the games, which might affect the legacy he wants to create.

Paes’ dream is to play in his eighth successive Olympics before hanging up his racquet. The legendary player has, therefore, said he would be unleashing his ‘new version’ when the sport resumes.

COVID-19 had halted all sporting action in India. With gradual resumptions, things are getting back to normal, with health guidelines being adhered to. This is to avoid further spread of the dreaded virus.

The 47-year-old had announced that 2020 would be his last season, with the hope of rounding off his activities with Tokyo Games, only to be stopped by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking during a webinar hosted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce – Young Leaders Forum, Paes expressed real concern about the Olympics, saying it is relevant to his history and legacy.

He is wondering how the corporate sponsors, who have been affected by COVID-19 in the economic sense, still stand their ground to support the tournament. Paes further noted that the future looks gloomy for the Olympics, without a vaccine to fight the deadly virus.

It had been said that the tournament might go ahead behind closed doors, as that is what obtains, for now, to avoid social gatherings.

Paes, therefore, wondered how the Japanese sporting governance would be to conduct such a tournament that could be held behind closed doors.

Paes, who is the most successful doubles player in the history of Davis Cup with 44 wins, noted that sport is big business, but doubt if sponsors will be able to bear the athlete’s cost with no return from ticket sales.

Paes, who also noted that he had his hands insured for millions, said he had used the COVID-19 enforced lockdown to further re-invent himself. He said the period was a blessing to him as he had time to read and spend with his father.with the hope of rounding off his activities with Tokyo Games, only to be stopped by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking during a webinar hosted by Indian Chamber of Commerce – Young Leaders Forum, Paes expressed real concern about the Olympics, saying it is relevant to his history and legacy.

He is wondering how the corporate sponsors, who have been affected by COVID-19 in the economic sense still stand their ground to support the tournament. Paes further noted that  the future looks gloomy for the Olympics, without vaccine to fight the deadly virus.

It had been muted that the tournament might go ahead behind closed doors as that is what obtains for now, in order to avoid social gatherings.

Paes therefore wondered how the Japanese sporting governance will be to conduct such tournament that could held behind closed doors.

Paes, who is the most successful doubles player in the history of Davis Cup with 44 wins, noted that sport is a big business, but doubt if sponsors will be able to bear the cost of athelete with no return from ticket sales.

Paes who also noted that he had his hands insured millions said he had used the COVID-19 enforced lockdown to further re-invent himself. He said the period was a blessing to him as he had time to read, and spend with his father.

 

 

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024