Tennis participant Sania Mirza receives the Inspirational Icon of the 12 months award from Sunil Gavaskar through the Sportstar Aces awards at Taj Mahal lodge in Mumbai.| Photo Credit: Okay.R. Deepak

Six-time Grand Slam champion Sania Mirza gained the ‘Inspirational Icon’ award on the  Sportstar Aces Awards on the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai on Monday.

Tennis star Sania, who announced her retirement earlier this month, was a trailblazer. Sania returned stronger than ever from a wrist harm in 2008, and has served an inspiration for younger ladies throughout the nation. She reached a highest profession singles rating of 27.

Sania acquired the award from former India cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar. “Growing up, like most youngsters, I read the  Sportstar magazine. I dreamt of being on the cover one day. I put up  Sportstar posters of Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and others who have inspired me. It is a true honour for me to be here, and to be a part of the  Sportstar family,” Sania mentioned.

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It has been an emotional few weeks for Sania, who hung up her racquet after the WTA Dubai Open lately. “I’ve played professional tennis for 20 years, and I suppose all good things must come to an end. I am full of gratitude for getting the chance to play for India, my family and for all of you. You have all been with me through thick and thin.

“There is no better way for me to start this new phase of my life than to receive this award from the great Sunil Gavaskar. He is one of my heroes; it doesn’t get better than this,” Sania mentioned.