Sania Mirza became the first Indian woman to win a Grand Slam tournament. What does this Wimbledon victory mean for India? Here are some learnings.
Martina Hingis seemed to have given it up, when the duo were down 2-5 against the Russian duo Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina, but Sania Mirza refused to give up. With the bravado on display and finding her form with exquisite front volleys Sania Mirza inspired Martina Hingis to re-pool her energies and the duo wrote a chapter in history at Wimbledon last night (or rather early morning). Sania Mirza along with Martina Hingis turned the table and emerged victorious against all odds.
For Sania the victory was more so scintillating as she became the first Indian woman ever to win a Grand Slam tournament.
The victory carried some key learnings for all of us. Here they are:
1. Let your profession do the talking
Sania Mirza had been at the receiving end for her personal life, but she has let her game speak for itself and underlined the fact that personal beliefs, ideologies, life-style etc., are matters of personal choice and they should not be used to doubt the commitment and sincerity of an individual for the profession. Her commitment to the game also showed that when the chips are down one should become immune from criticism and reinvent oneself through the profession in which one excels.
2. Cricket is not the only sport that can bring you laurels, more so for women
After her victory, Sania Mirza said:
“I hope it inspires a lot of girls and makes them believe they can be Grand Slam champions too.”
3. A true champion stands up against strong opposition and does not choke down
Right from her childhood days Sania Mirza excelled in difficult matches. It is her mindset of performing to her best of abilities against great pressure, not to choke in difficult situations, that made her draw her inner strength again when the chips were down in the 3rd set. She inspired her partner and together they came out on top to win the championship. Here’s what Roger Federer had to say about this match!
Epic ladies' doubles final! So thrilled for @MirzaSania and @mhingis https://t.co/Cise6EPHyy
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) July 11, 2015
4. Behind every successful story, there is sweat & commitment from friends and family
Indeed in India, in particular, the shinning beacons of tennis- Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupati, Krishnans etc., have made their mark owing to the commitment of their families in helping them, but Sania Mirza’s case was different as her family did not have any experience from the past of being associated with tennis. What also worked for Sania Mirza’s family was the self-belief in the game that their daughter Sania Mirza loved. The stoody by their daughter through all ordeals, particularly during the time when a fatwa was issued against her for wearing shorts on the ground.
For Sania Mirza there was no Indian women tennis icon to live up to. But for generations to come, they could not have asked for a better inspiration than Sania Mirza.
