Leander Paes and Ramakant Achrekar named CNN-IBN Indian of the Year

India’s multiple-Grand Slam winning tennis star Leander Paes and noted cricket coach Ramakant Achrekar, who tutored Sachin Tendulkar, were declared CNN-IBN Indians of the Year 2013, in the Outstanding Achievement category.

Paes made history this year when he won the US Open men’s doubles title at the age of 40, to become the oldest man to win a Grand Slam, showing no signs of being slowed down by age. And has picked up a number of accolades for his achievements over the years including the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri.

He is now keen on representing India in the Olympic games for an unprecedented seventh time by taking part at Rio 2016.

For Achrekar, his biggest credit has been his spotting of Tendulkar at a young age and nurturing his masterful batting talent. But that apart, Achrekar has also coached numerous other cricketers at Mumbai’s famous Shivaji Park in the Dadar area.

The awards were handed over to the duo at a glittering function at the Taj Palace in New Delhi on Saturday.

18-year-old badminton player PV Sindhu had earlier been named the Indian of the Year in the Sports category.