EXCLUSIVE: Ankita Raina aims for ‘glory’ at Asian Games as she attempts to fill the void Sania Mirza’s absence has created in Indian tennis

Ankita Raina talks of being in a state where she can give it her best shot and hope for good results at the prestigious event in Hangzhou, China.

EXCLUSIVE: Ankita Raina aims for ‘glory’ at Asian Games as she attempts to fill the void Sania Mirza’s absence has created in Indian tennis

Ankita Raina (Via @ankitaraina_official/Social)

Talk of women’s tennis and medals from the Asian Games, the first name which comes readily to the mind is that of Sania Mirza. Super Mom Sania retired earlier this year and the next generation has to pick up the threads.

It may seem gloomy, just like the weather in Hangzhou, China, where the opening ceremony on Saturday tonight is expected to be rocking. Even as Asia and the rest of the world will be keeping an eye on China for many reasons during the opening gala, the focus shifts from Sunday to Ankita Raina.

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This girl has been around for a while, goes into the Asian Games this time with her rich experience from the last edition in Palembang, Indonesia, where she won a bronze medal in singles. She had her chances in mixed doubles as well with Rohan Bopanna, but blew it in 2018.

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Five years have elapsed, and there have been many ups and downs in the world. Ankita’s own world has been crazy, laid low by Covid twice during the peak pandemic phase and then having to fight back. Right now, she looks in good shape and it is all about preserving herself well and competing.

Tennis is a grueling sport, everybody will vouch for it. “I am grateful to be competing at this level back-to-back after the lows in the Covid phase. I was out for almost six months. It was tough to come back but a few wins have strengthened my belief,” said Ankita.

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Ankita Raina upbeat about her chances at the Asian Games 2023

The number of media interviews Ankita Raina has done in the last few days is mind-boggling, but she does not mind it. From her departure in New Delhi on Wednesday till her arrival in Hangzhou, she has been patient with all those asking her questions. Today, she talks of being in a state where she can give it her best shot and hope for good results.

“I believe that whatever happens, happens for the best, and give my 100 percent. The Covid pandemic made me realize there is a limit to how much people around can help. Only you know what needs to be done and nobody else can do it for you,” stressed Ankita.

Ankita Raina Asian Games (2)
Ankita Raina (third from right first row) with the Indian contingent for the Asian Games (Via @ankitaraina_official/Social)

Yet, she is upbeat about her chances over the next week. “To be on the top in the podium in singles, that’s the goal. This will be my third Asiad and I believe that I have the experience and skills to last the distance. I know my opponents well since I have competed against them in WTA and ITF events,” added Ankita.

Ankita will feature in the women’s doubles as well with Prarthana Thombare. “She is the former India No. 1 in women’s doubles and an Olympian. She has a lot of experience playing at the highest level. We go a long way back playing together since our junior days. It helps when both are of the same age group,” said Ankita.

The big question is if Ankita Raina raises the level of her play as Sania Mirza did. After all, the Hyderabadi was a babe in the woods when she won a mixed doubles medal way back in 2002 with Leander Paes as partner at the Busan Asian Games.

Indian tennis has done well at the Asian Games in the past. There is a prayer on everyone’s lips this time, too. There is great bonding in the team, which can help when the chips are down.

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