Meet Vijay
TSo much has been written and said about Vijay Amritraj, that one needs to spotlight those aspects of his life that take him beyond just another celebrity with a foundation.
In sport, Vijay has beaten the world's best in tennis, including Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, John Newcombe, Stan Smith, and has repeated as a Quarterfinalist at Wimbledon and the US Open. Ranked #1 in Asia for 14 years, Vijay holds the record for the longest run in Davis Cup play, where as India's Davis Cup Captain he lead the team to the Finals twice in 1974 and 1987.
Since 1991 Vijay has been the Lead anchor and Host for "ESPN Star Sports" broadcasting to the world's largest sporting audience. Covering Wimbledon, US Open, Australian Open and other ATP Tour events, along with the PGA Masters, Vijay is one of the world's most recognizable sports celebrities.
Because of his extensive knowledge of politics and business within India, Vijay was secured by ABC, ESPN, Sony Entertainment, Turner Broadcasting, and IMG to strategize their successful business entry into India and other parts of South Asia and is director of The Leela Group of Hotels in India. Vijay serves as a brand Ambassador for Vredestain Tires, Rolex and Jaguar Land Rover.
Vijay addressed the United Nations in May 1988, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Special Committee against apartheid in South Africa. He was appointed United Nations Messenger of Peace on
In 2006, Vijay founded The Vijay Amritraj Foundation, an international charity serving the destitute of India.
February 9, 2001 by Secretary General Kofi Anan. Vijay was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India, for enhancing India's image overseas. Vijay was President of the ATP Tour Player Council from 1989 through 1992 and again in 1994. He was awarded the prestigious Pierre Coubertin Award by the United Nations in Paris in November 1988 and is the only Asian to receive the honor. Vijay was named Davis Cup Centennial Ambassador by the International Tennis Federation in 1999, and was unanimously elected to Honorary Membership of The All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon. He carried the Olympic Torch at the 1988 Seoul Games. In 2006, Vijay founded The Vijay Amritraj Foundation, an international charity serving the destitute of India.
With his charm and talent Hollywood quickly approached Vijay to Co-star in the James Bond film Octopussy with Roger Moore. He later co-starred in Star Trek IV with William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. Vijay appeared as a guest on "The Tonight Show" with Johny Carson and "Good Morning America" in the U.S., as well as "Breakfast Time" and "Good Morning Britain" in the U.K. He guest starred in various TV Shows in the 70's and 80's, including "Hart to Hart" and "Fantasy Island" and went on to star in his own ensemble cast series "The Last Precinct" and "What a Country."
Mr. Amritraj is married to Shyamala and they have two sons, Prakash and Vikram.
