Kiren Rijuju congratulates Paes on 44th doubles win as India thrash Pak in Davis Cup 4-0

Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Kiren Rijuju on Tuesday, took to Twitter to extend his best wishes to noted Indian Tennis player Leander Paes for his victory in the Davis Cup against Pakistan. Rijuju also congratulated the Indian team led by Rohit Rajpal, the non-playing captain, for sealing a 4-0 victory against Pakistan in the Davis Cup. India will now face world number two Croatia for the Qualifiers in an away tie, to be held between March 6-7. 24 nations will go head-to-head in a bid to win one of 12 qualifying spots for the Davis Cup Finals.

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Indian Team dedicates victory to Armed Forces 

Union Minister Rijuju, in his tweet on Tuesday, December 3, congratulated Leander Paes on winning his 44th World Record Doubles win and also remembered the Tennis player's individual Olympic medal back in 1996 in Atlanta. Paes paired with Neduncheziyan to beat Pakistan's Mohammed Shoaib and Hufaiza Abdul Rehman 6-1, 6-3 to whitewash them in the Davis Cup. Paes and his team returned to India on Sunday evening and were greeted at the airport by a number of fans who had come with posters and banners for their tennis heroes.

READ | Leander Paes Reveals He Instantly Said 'yes' To Playing Pak In Pak, For The India Badge

WATCH: India's Davis Cup Team Dedicates Victory To Armed Forces

While speaking to media after his return, Paes was asked about his reaction to playing in Islamabad, which was the original venue of the tie. He said, that he instantly said yes without thinking much because he has grown up in an environment where you are asked to represent the badge. Paes also spoke about the challenge that the team faced while playing in Kazakhstan since the weather conditions were harsh. He said that it was a problem, but went on to mention the hospitality offered by the Tennis Association. He said the Indian team was 'grateful' to them and that everything was taken care of for the team.

READ: AITA Reveals Why Leander Paes Wasn't Made Davis Cup Captain Versus Pak