Sania Mirza looking forward to the Commonwealth Games
The Indian tennis sensation, Sania Mirza had not even celebrated her 16th
birthday when she captured her first Asian Games medal in the city of Busan. Sania Mirza has reached a couple of milestones since then, however the young Indian still has a strong urge to be at her best while contesting for her country in the upcoming
multi-discipline competition, the Commonwealth Games which are going to be held in Delhi.
Bouncing back from her back injury that had seen Mirza drop plans to play in China this week, she made good use of her time to have a lengthy practice session with limited resources at the Panchsheel Club.
“It is the first time tennis is going to be part of the Commonwealth Games. Hosting it in India is very special. It is a very big event for the country and for us athletes. I am looking forward to it,” said Mirza on Tuesday.
Stressing that it was her first priority, the twenty three year old Mirza said that she could have taken some pain killers and contested in China, but later decided that she was better off resting, only to make sure that she would
be hundred percent fit and healthy for the CWG starting from Oct, 3rd.
“It is so different playing in the Games, particularly for us tennis players, who are used to travelling the circuit with parents, coaches and trainers. You have teammates, and you are not just playing for yourself, but for the
country. It is a special feeling,” added Sania.
She will shift into the Games village on Wednesday. The Indian is looking quite excited for the event as she told the reporters on Tuesday that she is really looking forward to another fascinating experience, different from the
regular routine of staying in hotels.
While commenting on the overall atmosphere, the Indian tennis sensation said, “The atmosphere in the Village is very good, and it is a great experience staying there. We get to mix with others, as there is so much warmth all around.
I have very fond memories of winning medals in the Asian Games both in Busan and in Doha.”
Mirza has previously won a total of three medals as she registered her name as the first Indian tennis contender, female or male, to reach the final of the singles competition in the Asian Games. She also lifted the mixed doubles
gold medal along with Leander Paes.
At the Olympics Games in Beijing, despite her injury, Mirza, along with her partner Sunitha Rao, had given Svetlana Kuznetsova and Dinara Safina a huge scare in the pre quarters.
Moreover, the Indian tennis ace has also grabbed a clutch of medals, including the only gold, in the Afro-Asian Games, held in Hyderabad. In spite of the fact that the Indian beauty has great respect for the contenders set to take
part in the event, regardless of their world ranking, Mirza said that she is all set to meet the tough challenge with poise and equanimity.
She further added that even Elena Balatcha from Scotland, who afterwards withdrew, had been in touch with the Indian and was looking forward to the Games.
Mirza has kept her post-Commonwealth Games schedule open so as to prepare herself for the next up Asian Games which are going to be held in Guangzhou during the month of November.
Sania has already won a double trophy in Guangzhou therefore it would be interesting to see her play there once again in November.
Belying her world ranking of one hundred and thirty one, Mirza could deliver a clutch of medals over the next couple of weeks.
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