Leander Paes’ racquets fetch more money than Dhoni’s kit

Tennis legend Leander Paes’ Wimbledon mixed doubles winning racquets and limited overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s keeping gloves and pads fetched Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively at a charity event organised by sports website xtratime.In in Kolkata.

Leander’s racquets were bought by former India player and Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary, who termed the tennis player going for his seventh successive Olympics as an “inspiration for all sportspersons.”

The auction was held to help die-hard Mohun Bagan fan Bapi Majhi, who is suffering from liver cancer and the family of deceased East Bengal supporter Alip Chakraborty.

A total amount of Rs 14 lakh was collected which will be handed over to Majhi and Chakraborty’s families.

After buying the racquets, Manoj said: “At age 42, Leander is still winning Grand Slams. His dedication and hard work are an inspiration for all sportspersons. I love playing tennis during breaks and it will be nice to play with these racquets.”

City-based film producer Namit Bajoria bought Pele’s autographed football for Rs 1.10 lakh.

The other auctioned items like Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri’s jersey, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane’s jersey were also sold at the auction.