Fresh from her recent US Open mixed doubles and Pan Pacific (Tokyo) women's doubles triumphs, Sania Mirza finds herself as the Indian team leader, inspiring others to give their best.
Arriving here from Japan on Sunday evening after partnering Cara Black to WTA Pan Pacific Open victory, Mirza was confident that her current form would help her win a big medal for the country here at the Asiad.
"Time has flown since I won my first medal at the Asian Games in 2002 at the age of 15. I feel like a senior pro now who's seen it all when I look at my young teammates here," said Mirza.
Maintaining her rich vein of form in the current season, the win in Tokyo was like the icing on the cake after her US Open mixed doubles triumph with Brazilian partner Bruno Soares.
"I don't think I can ask for a better form – the three weeks have been quite amazing. But look, every tournament is different and the Asian Games are very different," she said. "It's wonderful to be taking part in the fourth Asian Games of my career. I treasure the six medals I've won in the last three Games and feel truly blessed to be looking for the seventh medal for my country in the Asian Games."
Over the years, Mirza has been the role model for many young girls taking up the sport in India. That's one reason that keeps motivating her to do well at the circuit.
"Yes, a lot of girls come to me and say that 'you've' inspired us to pick up a tennis racquet', that's amazing for me," said the Indian tennis icon.
"Ten years ago, people didn't expect medals when the tennis team came to the Asian Games. But we've become spoilt now, because in the last three Asiad, we've won so many medals. This time, we don't have our strongest team, but people expect us to win. That's the amazing thing about our tennis," she added.
On her memories about previous editions, Mirza recounted: "I remember my first Asian Games in Busan here in Korea. Anand Amritraj was there as well. We were talking about it – how times flies."
However, Mirza is not thinking about her retirement. "You've to try and win. As athletes we're very greedy – I don't think we are ever satisfied, and I don't think we should be. If you are satisfied, I think it's time to hang up your boots," she said.
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