Sania Mirza says her top ranking in doubles tennis and Saina Nehwal making it to world No.1 in badminton will inspire youth to take up these disciplines
Success seems weird if you don't celebrate it. But don't blame Sania Mirza. Two days after becoming the world's top-ranked doubles player in faraway Charleston, the call of duty transported her to Hyderabad where an unglamorous Fed Cup engagement awaited her. Expectedly, India beat Turkmenistan and the Philippines without much ado to book a place in the slightly more competitive Group I.
Hyderabad is also the city Mirza calls home. And in the last fortnight or so, the vintage metropolis, known largely for its stunning palaces and delicious biryani, has basked in the glory of two of its most famous citizens. Saina Nehwal claiming the top rank in world badminton. You know who they are and what they do.
As is her wont, Mirza refuses to read too much into the coincidence. "I don't know whether it will help achieve gender equality but I am sure it will help to bring in a lot of players into the games of tennis and badminton in our country," Mirza tells dna of her and Saina Nehwal's achievements.
Mirza, who was forced to give up her singles career a few years ago, admits that the joy of reaching the summit has "finally" sunk in. "It has been a long journey that began 22 years ago and it is a victory for 'Team Sania' which includes my family and many other people who have played an important role in helping me get to this cherished position."
Mirza credits her husband, Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik, for newfound virtues like patience. "Shoaib is a very patient person and that has probably rubbed off on me. As an international sportsman, himself, he understands the ups and downs of a professional sportsman's career and his support has been invaluable. Wins and losses are part of sport and one has to take them in one's stride but yes, I have matured as a player with experience. Also, I have been fortunate to partner several world-class players over the years. In fact, I have played with over 50 different partners and have learnt something useful from each of them," she explains. For now, Mirza has Martina Hingis for company.
Often targetted — unfortunately and wrongly — by religious organisations as well as the media for various reasons, Mirza has often hit back to cop more flak. But now, her No. 1 ranking speaks for her. And her outlook is just refreshing. "In today's world of high-pressured journalism, to succeed in international sport, one has to learn to ignore negativity and focus on the job at hand," she says point blank.
So what are her plans? How about a Grand Slam title in doubles or, for that matter, an Olympic medal? "The only secret for success in international sport is hard work. In a sport like tennis, it is difficult to look too much into the future. The Olympics is still some way off. You need to believe in yourself and have single minded determination to fight all odds and it is the passion for your sport that helps you to keep going and defy all odds," she declares. Good luck is all we can say.
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