The man who has literally changed how we Indians look at the sport of tennis, someone who is the epitome of success, hard work and dedication, an idol for many … Leander Paes spent his day today with Manav Rachna.

One of the most successful professional Indian tennis players, he has received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India’s highest sporting honour, in 1996–97; the Arjuna Award in 1990; the Padma Shri award in 2001 and its 3rd Highest Civilian Award the Padma Bhushan in January 2014 for his outstanding contribution to tennis in India.

The Indian tennis legend spent his morning at Manav Rachna Sports Academy in Manav Rachna International School (MRIS), Sector 14 Faridabad. He was accompanied by Dr. Amit Bhalla, VP, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI); Mr. Sarkar Talwar, Director Sports, MREI; Ms. MamtaWadhwa, Director Principal, MRIS 14 and several other senior dignitaries.

At the Manav Rachna Sports Academy, he interacted with young tennis players and gave them tips for maintaining a consistent score. He was in complete awe of the young talent on display at the school while he visited each and every activity area at the school premises. Having spent considerable time, the young ones discovered various facets of the legend. From Calligraphy to expert advice and from singing and dancing with the students … Leander Paes did it all!

Leander Paes also visited the Manav Rachna Educational Institutions’ campus at Surajkund Road. At the MREI campus, he underwent a detailed performance analysis session at the Manav Rachna Sports Science Centre. Leander was particularly impressed with the Manav Rachna Shooting Range and with the infrastructure of the campus.

He also addressed the winners of 8th Manav Rachna Inter-School Sports Championship and exhorted them to consider sports as the best means of education. He also scored a perfect 10 on 10 in shooting and played table tennis with the young players.

JiaRawat and Naveen Kapoor, students of MRIS 14 who secured positions at National and International Level were awarded prizes by Mr. Leander Paes.