It was an evening of class, nostalgia and celebration as Chennai raised a toast to one in every of its favorite sons, a nationwide icon and world ambassador, all rolled into one. On the Leela Palace right here on Monday, Vijay Amritraj was feted for his elevation into the Worldwide Tennis Corridor of Fame, which most among the many assembled gathering felt got here a contact late to a person who deserves all of the accolades and extra.
A tennis icon, broadcaster, actor, champion of social causes and sports activities administrator, Amritraj is a star of many elements. Nevertheless deep down he’s a quintessential Chennai boy with educational roots in Don Bosco College and Loyola School. And this was the return of the native because the who’s who of this Southern metropolis rallied round to cherish him.
Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Youth Growth and Sports activities Welfare Udhayanidhi Stalin effusively lauded the sporting legend to set the tone for an evening of appreciation. Chess maestro Viswanathan Anand mentioned: “No matter I attempted to do, Vijay had been there earlier than.”
Amritraj’s India team-mate Ramesh Krishnan spoke in regards to the deep ties between the 2 households and elder brother Anand elaborated a few childhood of goals and naughty streaks. The evening really belonged to Amritraj, who thanked the viewers together with his customary wit and charm, and mentioned: “I owe it to my mother and father, they have been two bizarre individuals who did extraordinary issues with me.”
And to cap all of it, Boris Becker despatched throughout a video message and mentioned his prefix ‘increase increase’ was coined by his pal Vijay. It was that type of evening, of delicate verbal drop photographs coated with a permanent affection.