Latest news with #SaniaMirza
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Hindustan Times
Sania Mirza on life after retirement: ‘Not competing at the professional level, but still part of the ecosystem'
After hanging up her tennis racket, Sania Mirza isn't done with the sports world. She is trading in her tennis shoes for a pickleball racket, and she's loving every bit of it. Sania says she is still deeply connected to the professional sports ecosystem, adding that pickleball is gentler on her body compared to tennis. Also read: Sania Mirza says breastfeeding was harder than pregnancy as she opens up about motherhood: 'I breastfed for 3 months' In a candid conversation with Hindustan Times Digital, Sania shares her journey post-retirement, revealing how she has discovered a new passion in sports and is navigating the challenges of balancing her professional life as a mother. After announcing her retirement in 2023, Sania is now working on building a robust ecosystem for sports globally. 'The entire life is an act of balance. Even when I was playing, there was a balance. And now, there's a balance that I need to find, and obviously, being a working woman, an entrepreneur, and a full-time mother, I think that's a balance that you just kind of need to find. But you just manage your time well,' Sania tells us. The 38-year-old continues, 'You just try to have a good support system around you, and you balance it, and you just try to segregate and compartmentalise time as well as possible. And yeah, after retiring as well, I mean, I've always been connected to tennis. I was also connected to the world of cricket with the WPL, and now, I am part of pickleball'. Here, Sania emphasises that sports is an integral part of her life, stressing, 'No matter what, sport is in my blood. Obviously, I'm not competing at the professional level, but I'm part of the professional sporting ecosystem'. 'I do play pickleball, maybe once a week or once every 10 days. It's a good cardio session for me instead of just going for a run or something like that. And, you know, one of the reasons that I stopped playing tennis competitively was because of just my body not being able to... And pickleball being a smaller court. It's easier on the body as well. So I really enjoy it. I have a lot of fun,' says the mother on one. At the moment, Sania is enjoying pickleball both personally and professionally. She recently backed the first-ever Global Sports Pickleball Open in Dubai, which was hosted in collaboration with PickleTurf Pickleball Club Dubai and the Dubai Sports Council. Sania considers promoting sports a privilege. 'Being an athlete for me, being involved in any kind of sport, and to grow any kind of sport is really close to my heart, and to be honest, there's nothing different with pickleball as well. With Pickleball, maybe a few years ago, people thought it was a fad and it's something that would go away, but I think pickleball is here to stay. It's a sport that has caught the imagination of a lot of people,' says Sania, who is also sports ambassador for Dubai. Pickleball is the latest racket sport captivating Bollywood stars, with Ranbir Kapoor and Aryan Khan among its growing fanbase. Ask Sania about the growing popularity of the sport, she says, 'Right now, it is being played more recreationally, but it's going to be played more professionally very soon. I think that, when I was growing up, tennis was a growing sport in the region; that was obvious, and you can see the growth of tennis where it's reached now. And pickleball is probably at those early stages of its life now as well.' 'It's more to just do, being a racket sport and playing a racket sport. There are similar experiences, but more than that, it's a lot of fun to play. Pickleball is something that it's a community sport,' she adds. Sania had previously expressed regret over missing out on special moments with her son Izhaan during his childhood due to her demanding tennis schedule. Now, she is trying to make up for it. 'Mom guilt is so real and no matter how much you do or what you do, you just kind of feel like you're not doing enough sometimes. But it's important to remind yourself as a mother that you're doing your best and nobody cares about the child more than the parent does. So at the end of the day, you just try to make the most of the moments that you do have the most of the time, you try to spend as much time as possible,' says Sania, who was previously married to Shoaib Malik. Explaining it further, the six-time Grand Slam champion shares, "And I think quality time is probably the way to go. And that's really what we try to do as well with my schedule, even with his schedule, with his schedule. You know, he's got school for most of the day and then, he's got his activities'. 'So we just bond a lot. We watch movies, we've got a movie day. We have a Sunday brunch right after his football match, which he usually has every Sunday. That's kind of where we're at. In terms of how we spend time together. As a mom, being there for a child and just spending time with them is, honestly, sometimes more than enough. You don't actually have to do anything,' says Sania as she signs off.
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
‘World No. 1 ranking wasn't something I chased': Rohan Bopanna
While India has long had the reputation of sidelining sports that are not cricket, it has also produced stalwarts like Sania Mirza, Leander Paes, and Mahesh Bhupathi who achieved star-statuses that rival crickets' fame and made the world sit up and pay attention to their talents. A tennis icon, Rohan Bopanna, firmly finds himself standing shoulder-to-shoulder with these greats. Amidst preparing for The Wimbledon Championships set to be held from June 30, Bopanna inaugurated the SM Krishna Stadium recently, and remains hopeful about the future of tennis in Karnataka and beyond. Forty-five-year-old Bopanna was, until recently, an occupant of the World No. 1 position in men's doubles – the oldest player to attain the rank for the first time. As incredible as the feat is, according to Bopanna, this title was not exactly a daily motivator. He reveals, 'Honestly, the World No. 1 ranking wasn't something I chased every single day. My primary focus has always been on consistent improvement, enjoying the process, and contributing to the team on court.' The fact that he was the oldest to do so for the first time, is a testament to his success. 'Reaching the top spot at this stage in my career felt incredibly rewarding – it's the outcome of years of hard work, perseverance, and belief,' he says. While tennis does not exactly see itself at the forefront of Indian sports, the tide is slowly turning. Karnataka has always been at the helm of this tide, setting a precedent for the rest of the country. As Bopanna attests, 'Karnataka has always been a frontrunner when it comes to tennis – thanks to institutions like Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), strong coaching infrastructure, and a history of producing top players. There's also a growing culture of competitive play and support for junior development. But, we still have work to do for nurturing talent from a young age, especially from diverse backgrounds.' When asked what tournaments like the recently-concluded SM Krishna Memorial Open can do for the development of tennis, Bopanna says, 'Such tournaments are crucial. They offer valuable exposure, rank points, and the chance for players to compete at a high level without leaving the country. For fans, it's a fantastic opportunity to witness top-tier tennis live, which only helps grow the sport locally.' An interesting aspect of Bopanna's career has been his singular passion towards the doubles format, which has yielded him the best results. Bopanna admits to his bent towards something scarcely associated with the individualist image of tennis: team spirit. 'Doubles is such a fast-paced, high-intensity format that demands sharp reflexes, communication, and chemistry with your partner. What I really enjoy is the tactical side – quick decisions at the net, setting up plays, and the thrill of tight moments. Plus, it's a team effort, and I've always enjoyed being part of that dynamic,' he says. Does he have a favourite partner? Bopanna finds it hard to pick just one. 'In men's doubles, I'd say Mahesh Bhupathi – partnering with someone who paved the way for Indian tennis was a great experience and a learning curve. In mixed doubles, it has to be Sania Mirza. We've had a great bond and reaching the final at Australian Open together was incredibly special,' he concludes.
India.com
14-05-2025
- Sport
- India.com
Sania Mirza's ex-husband Shoaib Malik takes BIG decision over...
Sania Mirza's ex-husband Shoaib Malik was the captain of Pakistan national cricket team between 2007 and 2009. He played his first One-Day International match in 1999 facing the West Indies, and earned his Test cap in 2001 in a game against Bangladesh. In January 2024, Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik legally ended their 14-year-long marriage. Sania initiated the split through a Khula, a form of Islamic divorce instigated by the wife. Sania Mirza's ex-husband and former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has resigned from his role as a Domestic Cricket Coach with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). In an emotional message posted on social media platform X, the ex-husband of Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza, disclosed that he had officially handed in his resignation to the PCB a fortnight earlier, attributing the decision to increasing pressures in both his personal and career commitments. "This was not an easy choice, but after reflecting on my commitments, I realised that juggling multiple responsibilities would prevent me from giving my best — both to Pakistan cricket and to my other priorities," Shoaib Malik Malik wrote. Although he has stepped down, Shoaib Malik reassured the PCB that he would honor his remaining obligations under the contract, giving the board sufficient time to appoint a replacement ahead of the upcoming domestic season.
India.com
09-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Sania Mirza supports 'Operation Sindoor' with STRONG message, she shared image of...
Former tennis star Sania Mirza shared a powerful message in response to the historic press briefing on Operation Sindoor, led by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. These two women officers, representing different branches of the armed forces and different religious backgrounds, flanked Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during the media address. Mirza celebrated the significance of this image, reflecting both national unity and the growing presence of women in military leadership. The image of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh briefing the nation was widely hailed as a symbolic and powerful moment. Journalist Faye D'Souza called the photograph a reflection of India's inclusive identity, stating: 'The messaging in this very powerful photo perfectly captures who we are as a nation.' Sania Mirza reshared this post, echoing the sentiment of unity across gender, religion, and service branches in defence of the nation. Sania Mirza, now 38, is considered one of India's most successful female athletes, with six Grand Slam titles to her name. She became the world No. 1 in doubles in 2015, setting records for Indian tennis. Off the court, Mirza has frequently spoken on social issues, and her sharing of this post aligns her public voice with messages of national solidarity and gender equality. During the press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri detailed the execution of Operation Sindoor — a joint military strike involving the Indian Army and Air Force. It was described as a 'measured and proportionate' response to the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which left 26 people dead, including a Nepali national. The operation showcased India's resolve against cross-border terrorism. The strikes targeted nine terror camps across key locations including Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bahawalpur, Rawalakot, and Neelum Valley, long known to Indian intelligence as hubs for terror activity. Five of these sites were in PoJK, while four were in mainland Pakistan, including Bahawalpur, a stronghold of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). These strikes were significant for neutralizing facilities linked to LeT and JeM, two of the deadliest terror outfits operating in the region. The success of Operation Sindoor was measured in its impact: over 70 terrorists killed and more than 60 injured, according to official estimates. The strikes were executed using a combination of ground-launched and air-launched missiles, demonstrating technological precision and coordinated action. The operation also marks a strategic evolution in how India counters terrorism — not just defensively, but with proactive, high-impact responses.
NDTV
08-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Sania Mirza's Powerful Operation Sindoor Message With Photo Of Sofiya Qureshi And Vyomika Singh
Former Indian tennis player Sania Mirza has shared powerful message on social media, reacting to two women officers briefing the media on India's execution of 'Operation Sindoor' on Wednesday. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh flanked Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday morning during the briefing about Operation Sindoor, which was a joint operation by the Indian Army and the Air Force, striking nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Sania Mirza celebrated the briefing made by two women officers of different religions. Mirza shared a post by journalist Faye D'Souza, who had written the following in reaction to the briefing done by Col Sofiya and Wing Commander Vyomika. "The messaging in this very powerful photo perfectly captures who we are as a nation," was written by D'Souza in the post, which was later shared by Mirza. Mirza, 38, is widely regarded as one of India's greatest-ever tennis players and female athletes, having won six Grand Slam titles in tennis. Mirza was ranked as the No. 1 doubles player in the world in 2015. Operation Sindoor At a press briefing in New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, flanked by Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, said the operation was a "measured and proportionate" response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. That assault, attributed to Pakistan-based terror groups, claimed the lives of 26 people, including one Nepali national, and left many others injured. Colonel Qureshi said that the operation marked a shift in strategy. "For the last three decades, Pakistan has been constructing terror infrastructure, including recruitment centres, training areas, and launch pads across PoJK and Pakistan. This operation was intended to dismantle those facilities and prevent future attacks," she said. The missile strikes targeted facilities in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bahawalpur, Rawalakot, Chakswari, Bhimber, Neelum Valley, Jhelum, and Chakwal, all areas long suspected by intelligence agencies of harbouring terrorist camps. These sites were believed to be affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), two terror groups responsible for multiple attacks in India over the years. Of the nine locations hit, five were in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and four were within mainland Pakistan. Bahawalpur, notably, has been a known stronghold of JeM. Muzaffarabad and Bhimber had previously been identified by Indian security agencies as transit and logistics points for infiltration into Kashmir. Over 70 terrorists were killed, and more than 60 sustained injuries. The strikes were carried out using a mix of ground-launched and air-launched missiles
