COVID-19: People should focus on learning new skills – Leander Paes

As COVID-19 pandemic has forced every athlete off the field and the training centers, veteran Indian tennis player, Leander Paes has urged people to use the opportunity to learn new skills.

With information superhighway, learning has been made easy for all as Youtube, for instance, is filled with a plethora of information.

The Indian living legendary tennis player stated this when he featured as a guest in the Education Webinar for Coaches. The programme was organized by the All India Tennis Association (AITA) in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

While statting the importance of focusing on new skills during the lockdown, Paes added that this is the best time that should be utilized away from tennis action. He said that players also need to keep themselves active and mentally fit.

Paes, an 18-time Grand Slam champion whose experiences spans over three decades, shared his wealth of knowledge on the professional circuit amid hundreds of AITA registered coaches and tennis experts, who are part of the online programe.

The legend began his session, giving the SAI AITA’s Coach’s Education Program a special mention, commending the programme and described it as special.

The most decorated India tennis player also torched various topics that include his junior days and the transition to Men’s Circuit. He also spoke on the role of mental fitness in tennis, how to deal with pressure, nutritional knowledge, tips to coaches, and his tennis school programme. The legend said he is planning to give back to the society by taking his pool of experience to the schools.

Paes, who is also an Olympic medalist, also revealed how his mother continues to complain of ruining the non-stick frying pan when he did the “no-look-volley challenge” with it.

Speaking on what kept him going, the 46-year-old, who is still aspiring to participate in the next Olympic games, said the relationships he has had through tennis are what he cherishes the most, adding that being that they are over generations, they are special.

Written by:  Oladipupo Mojeed