The Amtrak journey from New York City to Newport, Rhode Island, felt like a scene straight out of an old Western movie, with the Kingston Station resembling a dusty saloon. However, instead of cowboys, one finds an empty driveway, awaiting a ride. Luckily, Ruben, in his red Honda, arrived promptly, taking the traveler to the historic Viking Hotel in Newport’s Historic Hill neighborhood. The lobby was a vibrant spectacle, a mix of Indians celebrating the upcoming induction of Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame Museum, located a short walk from the hotel, was buzzing with excitement as the inductees were about to arrive. Among Leander’s memorabilia was his 1996 Atlanta Olympics bronze medal, a cherished possession that holds significant emotional value. Leander’s victory in Atlanta, where he defeated Fernando Meligeni for the bronze, propelled him into Indian sports folklore, inspiring a generation of Indian athletes. His passion and courage on the court, particularly when representing India, were evident in his game. His emotion was also palpable as he spoke about Martina Navratilova, his doubles partner and mentor, highlighting her influence on his career and life.
Vijay Amritraj, inducted in the contributor category, emphasized how sport has always been a unifying force, and how grateful he was for his parents’ support in his journey. Among his memorabilia were his Rolex watch from his 1976 victory in Newport, his ITF Golden Achievement Award, and his World Championship Tennis jacket. The ceremony was a grand celebration, with fellow Hall of Famers like Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Andre Agassi, and Stan Smith joining in the celebration. The presence of Indians in vibrant sarees and bandhgalas created a unique blend of Indian culture and tennis history, transforming the event into a colorful spectacle.
Navratilova, introducing Leander, praised his unique style of play, highlighting his powerful forehand, sliced backhand, and lightning-quick reflexes. She concluded by acknowledging his achievements and praising him for making India proud. Dressed in a cream-colored sherwani with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan pinned to his lapel, Leander expressed his gratitude and highlighted the influence of his fellow Hall of Famers, who had inspired him throughout his life.
Vijay Amritraj, introduced by his son Prakash, reminisced about his tennis journey, emphasizing the importance of his parents and the impact tennis had on his life. He also shared his belief in the power of sport to bring people together. The event culminated in a vibrant display of Indian culture, with the Tiranga flying high and bhangra moves breaking out to AP Dhillon’s ‘Brown Munde’. It was undeniably India’s day in Newport, a testament to the remarkable achievements of Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj, who have made their country proud.
