Sania Mirza Reveals How Her Relatives Once Mocked Her Dreams Of Becoming A Tennis Player

Indian tennis superstar, Sania Mirza is undoubtedly the finest female athlete from the country, when it comes to the sport. From winning the Wimbledon in 2015 alongside Martina Hingis to receiving the prestigious Arjuna, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards, the 31-year-old has had a career to be proud of.

However, the ace sports star did not have the support of her relatives when she was about to start chasing her dream. In a recent interview, Sania threw light on how her relatives reacted to her decision of pursuing a career in tennis.

According to DNA, speaking at the launch of UN Women’s anthem “Mujhe Haq Hai”, Sania revealed that her uncle and aunts said that her skin will darken if she plays the sport and nobody will marry her.

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Ingredients -Grit.Power.Determination.Persistence.FIGHT. 👊🏽

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 “When my parents actually said (that) she is going to play tennis, my aunts and uncles were like `kali ho jayegi dekhna, koi shaadi nahi karega’ (her skin will darken and nobody will marry her)….”

She added that her parents often had to face the mockery from their relatives. However, Sania termed her dad as the greatest hero for standing as a shield in front of her and supporting her ambitions.

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“I thought my dad is the greatest hero because he stood up against everyone and said that I don’t care. They use to mock my parents and say what do you think, that your daughter is going to become a Martina Hingis? The fate had it that I had to win three of my Grand Slams with Martina Hingis.”

Needless to say, with six Grand Slam titles in her grasp, Sania Mirza has let her actions speak louder than words. And we are nothing but proud of her. We love you, Sania! <3