In your excellence, world saw glimpse of India’s sporting prowess: PM Modi to Sania Mirza
In his message of congratulations to Sania, the Prime Minister conveyed that Sania has left a lasting mark on Indian sport and inspired the next generation of athletes.
“Through your Excellency, the world has seen a glimpse of India’s sporting prowess,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Sania Mirza, congratulating the legendary athlete on her glorious career in which she made it clear that “more women can play tennis and excel at it “.
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Sania, who has won six Grand Slam titles in her career, said goodbye last month in Dubai, where she was playing her final tournament. In his message of congratulations to Sania, the Prime Minister conveyed that Sania has left a lasting mark on Indian sport and inspired the next generation of athletes.
Sania posted the March 9 letter on her Twitter handle.
“Tennis lovers will find it hard to imagine that you will no longer play professionally,” Modi wrote.
“…..In Your Excellency, the world has had a glimpse of India’s sporting prowess. When you first started playing, India’s tennis landscape was very different. They have shown that more women can play tennis and excel at it.
“But beyond that, your success has given strength to several other women who aspire to a career in sport but have for some reason hesitated,” the Prime Minister wrote.
Sania thanked the Prime Minister for the gesture.
“I would like to thank you, Honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji, for those kind and inspiring words. I have always taken great pride in representing our country to the best of my ability and will continue to do whatever it takes to make India proud. Thank you for your support,” said Sania, the former world No. 1 in doubles.
The Prime Minister wrote that Sania’s success filled every Indian’s heart with pride.
“When you announced a ‘Life Update’ on January 13th, you beautifully portrayed your journey from a six-year-old who literally had to fight her way onto the (tennis) courts in the years that followed, to a world-class tennis player. “You wrote about how winning medals for India was your greatest honor. I can say that you are the pride of India, whose success has filled the hearts and minds of every Indian with the greatest joy,” Modi wrote.
The Prime Minister also recalled the time when Sania went through a turbulent period when a wrist injury almost ended her career before becoming a strong doubles player.
“Adversity has brought you injuries, but these setbacks have only strengthened your resolve and you have met these challenges with flying colors.” Modi hoped Sania would continue to mentor young sports talent.
Sania was recently named mentor to Royal Challengers Bangalore of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).