“I feel it is special to compete in Olympics after becoming a mother” Sania Mirza ahead of making her 4th Olympics appearance at 2020 Tokyo Olympics
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Sania Mirza
Sania Mirza is set to make history just by participating in the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Indian tennis star will be participating in her 4th Olympic Games after having made her Olympics debut back at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Sania is now on level with Indian running legend Shiny Wilson who also participated in 4 Olympic games between 1984 and 1996 in the 400m and 800m track and field events. Sania also overtakes PT Usha and Saina Nehwal in terms of Olympic participation as both have 3 Olympicsparticipations.
Sania came close to an Olympics medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics when she finished 4th along with partner Rohan Bopanna. The 34-year old will be partnering with Ankita Raina in the Women’s Doubles in Tokyo and will be representing the Indian contingent for tennis along with Sumit Nagal who makes his way into the Men’s Singles.
“If somebody had told me at the beginning of my career that I would play four Olympics, I would have probably laughed about it because it showed a lot of longevity, I’m honoured, of course. I feel proud to put myself in this position – four times – which happened over the years, I feel it is special to compete in Olympics after becoming a mother,” said Mirza.
“When the National anthem is playing it is a very special feeling” Sania optimistic for the Olympics
Sania recently played in the Mixed Doubles of the Wimbledon 2021 along with Rohan Bopanna reaching the Round of 16 before being defeated in a thrilling 3-setter clash.
“A lot has happened, I’m going with a lot of experience. Last time (at the Rio Olympics) we (Rohan Bopanna) almost won the medal. It was heartbreaking. I’m looking at competing at the highest level. I’m glad I’m able to do that in the last few months. As athletes, we always dream of doing something special for the country.
“When the National anthem is playing it is a very special feeling and particularly standing on the podium. It is something that dreams are made of. Whenever we play in a team event it becomes a more special event,” said Sania.
Sania Mirza talks about Ankita Raina who will partner her in the Olympics
Ankita Raina has been one of the leading names in Indian tennis and has been representing the country in many events both on the WTA and ITF tours. She is currently ranked World No. 100 in the WTA rankings and will be making her Olympics debut along with Sania who plays in her 4th Olympics this year.
“Every time I played in the Olympics it was the best player of that time. Ankita is no different. She has been playing really well over the last couple of years. She has put herself in a good position compared to other girls.
It is good to play with someone who is close to 100 in the world rankings, which was never the case before. That is probably the biggest difference this time around in Olympics,” said Sania full of praise for Ankita as the duo get ready for the Olympics.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics will begin on 23rd July 2021 and will conclude on 8th August 2021.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)