Leander Paes felicitated on last day of Bengaluru Open

Indian tennis legend Leander Paes, who played his last ATP event on home soil at Bengaluru Open, was felicitated by former Olympians and sports persons at KSLTA Stium on Sunday. Paes, who is playing his final year of professional tennis, and his Australian partner Ebden h lost to Indian pair of Purav Raja and Ramkumar Ramanathan in men's doubles final on Saturday. On Sunday, just before singles finals, 46-year-old Indian was given a rousing farewell with stars from various sports including former hockey players Jude Felix, V R Raghunath, Arjun Halappa, former track and field athlete Ashwini Nachappa and Davis Cupper Prahl Srinath joining thousands of people who h gared here.

All athletes regaled audience with ir experiences with Paes, who was overcome with emotion.  "All of you taught me how passion for sport, dedication and hard work helps us to achieve success," said Paes while requesting audience to give a standing ovation to former athletes. Also present on ocassion were former swimmers Reshma and Nisha Millet, former heptathlete Pramila Aiyappa and former long jumper Reeth Abraham.