Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, who ended her illustrious career last month, shared on Twitter an inspirational letter she received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sania, who remains one of the country’s most decorated sportswomen, thanked Prime Minister Modi for the gesture and vowed to keep making India proud no matter what she does next.

In this letter, PM Modi called Sania a “champion” and explained the tennis star had “left an indelible mark on Indian sport and encouraged the following generation of athletes”. “I would like to thank the Honourable Prime Minister@narendramodi Ji for those kind and inspiring words. I have always been proud to represent our country to the best of my ability and will continue to do my best to make India proud. Thank you for your support,” Sania tweeted.

In the letter, PM Modi wrote: “Tennis lovers will find it difficult to fathom that you will not be playing professionally from now onwards. But, through your career as one of India’s best tennis players, you have left an indelible mark on Indian sports, inspiring the coming generation of athletes.

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 most significant honor for you has been to win medals for India. I can say that you are India’s pride, success has filled the hearts and minds of every Indian with utmost joy. Read More: Chennai Rhinos vs Telugu warriors, 15th Match CCL 2023

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 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.

You gave the people of India much to cheer about. Your early success in Wimbledon as a junior player showed that you were going to be a force to reckon with. Likewise, your triumphs in subsequent Grand Slam tournaments, whether the Women’s Doubles or Mixed Doubles demonstrated your skill and passion for the game. That you won in so many Doubles events also shows your temperament towards teamwork, which is an essential learning of sports.

Due to twists of fate, you had to cope with injuries, but these setbacks only strengthened your resolve and you overcame these challenges with flying colors.

I would also like to appreciate your parents for giving you all the possible support to play. They have nurtured you to become a great player and instilled strong values in you, something one can see in your various post-match speeches where you display utmost humility and sporting spirit.

May you spend the coming years pursuing your other hobbies. I am sure we will keep seeing more of you, particularly in mentoring young sporting talent. I also hope you are able to spend more quality time with Izhaan. Thank you once again for all that you have done for India and my best wishes for your future endeavors.”

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