Sania: The Absolute Ace Against All Odds Will Now Be Seen In A Different Avatar

Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza recently announced her retirement from International Tennis leaving an indelible footprint, too big to match up with. She has had a remarkably colourful career as a former world no.1 doubles player with 6 major titles to her kitty. Throughout her career she has established herself as one of the most influential athletes in India.

However what strikes me here is the impact of her persona on aspiring Indian sports persons, particularly women, the strong belief she instilled in many a minds in her 20-year old iconic career. In a country where sports isn’t considered a lucrative career especially for women, she broke all taboos and barriers to achieve what one could only dream of.

Having been a tennis parent, I know what it takes

I have been a tennis parent for a brief period and I have had first hand experience of grassroot tournaments and practise. The sport like any other needs intensive dedication not just by the player but by the entire family as well. The struggle only snowballs across spheres and it’s never ending.

A rich legacy of standing up for what is right

Sania leaves behind a rich legacy brimming with hope and more importantly about standing up for what is right. She is an example that showed what breaking stereotypes meant in the true sense of the word.

Whether it was going against the archaic religious biases or creating a storm by marrying a man from the neighbouring country or the talks of her split painting the town red, Sania has never shied away from controversy. At the end of it all she let her racquet do the talking as she aced the game inch by inch. Not only the sport but she has aced the multiple roles of being a daughter, sister, wife and a mother to the t. Her tearful farewell speech at the final Australian Open speaks volumes of her commitment towards every role she has gracefully fulfilled.

Sania comes across as a strong personality but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. For instance, she says, “If you are not your biggest cheerleader, no one else is ever going to believe in you…” She dared to dream big in an arena unknown to many. As the sun sets on a glorious career, Sania has decided to spend more time with her 4-year-old son and hone upcoming talent through her academy. She has been signed up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (IPL) where she will be contributing to their Women’s Premier League (WPL) with her experience in sports.

Her devastating forehand will always remind us of the power Sania exuded from both outside and within.

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Sayonara Sania and thank you for the innumerable accolades for the country and the memories!

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