In a defining moment for Indian tennis, Leander Paes and Gaurav Natekar secured the country’s first-ever men’s doubles gold medal at the Asian Games during the 1994 Hiroshima Games in Japan.
The Indian pair triumphed over the strong South Korean duo of Chang Eui-jong and Kim Chi-wan, showcasing exceptional synergy and aggressive net play. Their victory not only marked a milestone in India’s tennis history but also set the tone for future doubles dominance in the continent.
This golden achievement was a significant boost for Indian tennis in the 1990s, spotlighting the depth of talent beyond the singles arena. It also signaled the rise of Leander Paes as a versatile force in both singles and doubles formats, who would go on to become a Davis Cup stalwart and Grand Slam doubles champion.
For Gaurav Natekar, the win was a career highlight and a proud chapter in his contribution to Indian tennis. The duo’s success in Hiroshima remains a cornerstone moment—India’s golden breakthrough in Asian Games doubles competition.
