Sunday was a nostalgic day for tennis admirers and Sania Mirza fans alike. Sania made her mark in the international arena two decades ago and the Lal Bahadur Stadium echoed with excitement as she said goodbye to a splendid career with two exhibition matches on Sunday. While youngsters witnessing her play were mesmerized, Sania’s contemporaries and elder generations recollected her immortal contribution to the game in awe. It felt like an apt tribute to an icon that has given Hyderabad, India, and the international arena so much.
At just 16 years of age, Sania entered the National Games in 2002 and dazzled her audience with her skill and poise. Little did anyone know that this aspiring young athlete was well on her way to greatness. Since then, Sania has been fearlessly fighting battle after battle with grace and success. From Platinum World Tour championships to becoming the first ever Indian to reach a Grand Slam final, Sania’s career has truly been extraordinary. Her farewell match was particularly special as she gave her home fans something extra to cheer about by arranging for a performance of MC Stan before the match started. Undoubtedly, it was an unbeatable achievement that personified her indomitable spirit!
The heartfelt words of decorated tennis star Sania Mirza as she reflected on her illustrious 30-year journey, humbled every witness that had gathered to honor the moment. Her appreciation for all who have been part of her story from the start in Hyderabad, especially her parents and family, as well as her on-court colleagues Rohan Bopanna, Ivan Dodig, Bethanie Mattek Sands, Cara Black and Marion Bartol, brought great emotion to the farewell matches. But perhaps one of the most touching gestures of the day was when Sania’s son Izhaan replied “Love you mommy” when asked a few words. This statement invoked a wealth of emotions among those cheering on Mirza in this special moment.
It was an emotional day for Sania Mirza as she played her farewell match in Hyderabad, the city of her birth. Tennis has been a huge part of her life and it was the perfect venue for her proudest achievement – a send off to tennis as a career. Sania will, however, remain active in tennis through Telangana tennis and for India for the rest of her life. Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister KT Rama Rao personally appreciated Sania’s success, honoring some of the players who joined her in this memorable farewell match. He further praised Sania’s parents Imran Mirza and Naseema Mirza for helping turned their daughter into a national icon. Such recognition is just one demonstration of appreciation that Sania’s storied career has earned both nationally and internationally.
KT Rama Rao recently honoured Sania Mirza with a reward for her inspiring journey from Telangana. She successfully broke through all the stereotypes and has become a globally recognised tennis star. While this is an amazing story for the State and its people, the efforts made by her parents Imran Mirza and Naseema ji should not be forgotten either. The public recognized their hardwork as they celebrated Sania’s win in style at the court. Her victory was taken to another level altogether with fans crying out of sheer joy and Sama Chevika Reddy making every moment special playing against Sania & Bopanna. Mr. Rao rightly said that while it is time to celebrate Sania, it is even more important now to nurture many such stories of success in Telangana!
The excitement in Chevika’s voice was palpable as she spoke of her once-in-lifetime experience of playing against some of the world’s greatest tennis players. She never imagined having the opportunity to share a court with the likes of Kiren Rijiju, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Azharuddin, Dulquer Salmaan and V Srinivas Goud among others, let alone winning a match. This monumental occasion was marked by a turnout from dignitaries from the Indian Union such as Jayesh Ranjan, Information and Technology Secretary, adding extra glamour to the event. As memories of her triumphant day linger in Chevika’s mind, it is sure to be one lifetime experience that she will remember for years to come.
