Sania Mirza Praises PM Narendra Modi, Thanks Him for Motivating Players

Tennis ace Sania Mirza thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for backing sportspersons in the country. Modi had congratulated the World No. 6 for winning the year-end WTA Finals in Singapore.

Saina also revealed that there was a point in her career when she had thought of calling it quits but is glad that she chose not to.

The veteran doubles player, who had dedicated her Singapore win to "My India", arrived home in Hyderabad on Monday evening. Addressing the media on Tuesday, Sania said it was heartening to see the country's Premier keeping a track of sporting events and making it a point to wish them when they succeed.

"The PM has been motivating us, it's great that he loves sports," Sania said. "So many people don't even know what event is taking place when but he (Modi) keeps a track and that's just great."

Sania had previously tweeted her thanks to Modi and said on Tuesday that she planned to keep fighting for better results.

"I can't do anything but play tennis... have been doing it for 21 years. I have realised that miracles do happen but there is no secret to success except working and working very hard."

The 27-year-old also said that thoughts of retirement had come to her but instead, she chose to push on. "I did consider quitting the sport at one point. It was a tough phase in my professional career but I am glad I stayed on. Tennis is a great game and it gives us many chances to fight."