Kolkata/IBNS: Tennis legend Leander Paes was honoured with the prestigious 32nd P.C. Chandra Puraskar for his remarkable contributions at Kolkata's Science City Auditorium last Sunday.

Leander talked about women empowerment receiving the award.

"If you look at how women are succeeding on the world stage, we men should also pull our socks up and also be inspired by our mothers and sisters, our children and be the best version of ourselves," said Leander.

"I think it’s a societal factor when it comes to limiting or having to put an age bar in consideration of women. I don’t think it’s an actual physiological factor. If you look at Martina Navratilova, I won Wimbledon with her when she was 50 years old and it was my 5th Wimbledon, whereas it was her 21st Wimbledon. So age is just a number.

"When it comes to society, there are certain norms the society makes which are not necessarily correct. You must respect your elders but also chart out your own legacy," he added on empowering women who leave their passion for societal expectations.

One of the most celebrated tennis players in India, Leander is known for his exceptional doubles and mixed doubles career.

He has won 18 Grand Slam titles and has the record for the most doubles wins in the Davis Cup.

His achievements include an Olympic bronze medal in singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games, making him the first Indian to win an Olympic tennis medal.

(Reporting by Rishika Sharma, Images by Arpita Das)