Sania Mirza expresses gratitude to PM Modi for his heartfelt letter after bidding farewell to tennis

Sania Mirza and Narendra Modi (Image credit: Twitter)

Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his kind and inspirational words as the 36-year-old retired from the game after a two-decade career. PM Modi had sent a letter to the ace player, praising her as one of India's best tennis players who has left an "indelible mark" on Indian sports and is an inspiration to the next generation of athletes.

The former doubles world No 1 took to her Twitter handle to thank the Prime Minister for sending her a heartwarming letter, adding that she has always been proud to represent India to the best of her ability and will continue to do so.

“I would like to thank Honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji for such 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 I can to make India proud. Thank you for your support,” Sania tweeted.

I would like to thank you Honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji for such 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 I can to make India proud . Thank you for your support. pic.twitter.com/8q2kZ2LZEN

— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) March 11, 2023

Sania ended her tennis career with happy tears at the place where her journey started at the age of 16. She played the last match at Lal Bahadur Tennis Stadium in Hyderabad, featuring Rohan Bopanna, Yuvraj Singh, and her friend Bethanie Mettek Sands. Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju and former Indian cricket team captain Mohammad Azharuddin were also present when the legend bid farewell to her illustrious career.

"The greatest honour for me has been to play for my country for 20 years. It is every athlete's dream to represent their country at the highest level. These are very, very happy tears. I could not have asked for a better send-off," Sania said after her final match.

'Your success has filled the hearts and minds of every Indian': PM Modi

In his letter to Sania, Modi wrote: When you announced a “Life Update” on 13th January, you wonderfully expressed your journey from a six-year-old who had to literally fight her way to the courts to a world-class tennis player in the subsequent years. You wrote about how the biggest honour for you has been to win medals for India. I can say that you are India’s pride, whose. success has filled the hearts and minds of every Indian with utmost joy.

In your excellence, the world saw a glimpse of India’s sporting prowess. When you began playing, India’s tennis landscape was very different. What you did was to illustrate that more women can pursue tennis and excel in it. But, beyond that, your success also gave strength to several other women who wanted to pursue a career in sports but for some reason or the other were hesitant to do so. They became motivated by your success and were able to make a mark in sports. In one of your interviews, you said, “Even if I’ve inspired one young girl. mother, child to dare to dream, then I think my job has been fulfilled for what I’ve been placed here for.” Be rest assured, you have more than fulfilled this noble and selfless goal."