Tennis participant Sania Mirza receives the Inspirational Icon of the 12 months award from Sunil Gavaskar throughout the Sportstar Aces awards at Taj Mahal resort in Mumbai.
| Photo Credit: Ok.R. Deepak
Six-time Grand Slam champion Sania Mirza received the ‘Inspirational Icon’ award at the Sportstar Aces Awards at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai on Monday.
Tennis star Sania, who introduced her retirement earlier this month, was a trailblazer. Sania returned stronger than ever from a wrist damage in 2008, and has served an inspiration for younger women throughout the nation. She reached a highest profession singles rating of 27.
Sania acquired the award from former India cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar. “Growing up, like most youngsters, I read the Sportstar magazine. I dreamt of being on the cover one day. I put up Sportstar posters of Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and others who have inspired me. It is a true honour for me to be here, and to be a part of the Sportstar family,” Sania stated.
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It has been an emotional few weeks for Sania, who hung up her racquet after the WTA Dubai Open not too long ago. “I’ve played professional tennis for 20 years, and I suppose all good things must come to an end. I am full of gratitude for getting the chance to play for India, my family and for all of you. You have all been with me through thick and thin.
“There is no better way for me to start this new phase of my life than to receive this award from the great Sunil Gavaskar. He is one of my heroes; it doesn’t get better than this,” Sania stated.
