‘ FUN IS A SUBJECTIVE TERM’
Sania Mirza and Parineeti Chopra come together for the launch of the tennis star’s autobiography, Ace Against Odds, in the capital
Tennis star Sania Mirza’s autobiography Ace Against Odds was launched at an event in the capital by Bollywood actress and dear friend to the sports sensation, Parineeti Chopra. While sharing her experience of writing the book, Sania spoke about her journey to becoming India’s top ranked tennis player, her marriage to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik and more. Excerpts from the conversation:
MY STORY, MY WORDS Talking about penning an autobiography so early in her life, Sania says, “Being a public figure, a lot has been said and written about me over the past fifteen years. It was important for me to come out with my version of my journey. My fans deserve to know that off court, like every other person, I experience emotions too. This book is an account of the Sania Mirza the world doesn’t know much of.”
BREAKING STEREOTYPES with Sania because the latter’s stardom has not affected her as an individual. “She doesn’t know she’s a star! I think the best part of our friendship is that we do not see each other in terms of our professional success but as individuals who have a lot in common,” said Parineeti, adding, “Both of us belong to humble homes and opted for professional choices very unconventional for girls. It is hard to establish oneself and then achieve what we have… and yet there’s a lot more to do!”
Sania, on her part, shared, “I started playing at the age of six and I am sure nobody in the country would’ve thought that a 16- year- old girl could win Wimbledon. When I decided to take up tennis as my career, it was a difficult choice for everyone in my family but they supported me through thick and thin. Against all odds, we took a step that was in many ways against the norms of society. With many women taking up sports now, an impact is being made on the mindsets of people and the industry as well.”
GIVING AND RECEIVING
Affirming that she is a very private person Sania said, “I have never spoken about my struggles and obstacles because I didn’t want to make it sound like a rags to riches story. Unfortunately, India does not have a sports culture like China or Russia and belonging to a middle class family, I didn’t receive any aid from the government before Wimbledon happened. But we are moving towards providing assistance to sportspersons and I hope to contribute in every possible way.”
As a couple Shoaib and I wanted to be happy but we didn’t know we were making a political statement by falling in love!
On the controversy surrounding her marriage with Shoaib Malik, Sania joked, “As a couple we wanted to be happy but we didn’t know we were making a political statement by falling in love! Our marriage was under the public glare and received unnecessary speculation from the media because of something as trivial as nationality.”
She admitted, “I have never spoken about my feelings on this matter but through the book I’ve tried to convey what I was going through.” Parineeti cheered her on and affirmed that she considers Sania’s love story to be Bollywood style, like a sequel to Veer- Zara!
TEAM SANIA
When Parineeti urged Sania to talk about her fun moments on and off court, the latter revealed, “Fun is a very subjective term. It goes without saying that I enjoy playing tennis and that’s why I am good at it. On court, the game demands physical and emotional energy and the desire to win is constantly burning. But yes, I like getting drained after a match as it gives me a sense of achievement. Off court, I have a lot of friends and we have a good time. Also, Martina and I share a good equation and we unwind after the matches. This chemistry also helps us during difficult moments in a match.”
The tennis champ also shared that she has had to face moments when the line between throwing in the towel and returning to the court has blurred. She said, “For me, it is mind over matter. My endurance for pain is very high and unless my tank becomes empty like it happened when I broke my wrist, team Sania does not back out.”