You play for yourself, that's what truly matters: Sania Mirza

Dubai: Tennis icon Sania Mirza believes Indian women have made significant strides in the world of sports, emerging as the country’s most prominent athletic figures outside of a handful of top male cricketers. Speaking at the panel discussion ‘The Sports Women’ hosted by Capri Sports, Sania highlighted the evolution of female representation in athletics over the decades.

“Today, when we think of Indian sports stars on the global stage — particularly at the Olympics — it’s the women who are often leading the charge. That speaks volumes about the journey over the past 50 years,” she said.

Reflecting on her early days in tennis, Sania recalled practicing on makeshift courts made of cow dung and needing tetanus shots for safety. At that time, there was only one female sporting icon she knew of, track legend PT Usha. “Even she was more of a name we heard than someone we saw, because there was no media or social media coverage,” Sania noted.

She emphasised that while there are now many female sports stars outside of cricket, it's equally important for these athletes to choose how they present themselves. “Yes, we still live in a man’s world — especially when it comes to sports. In India, we also live in a cricket-dominated world. But as women athletes, we have the power to shape how we are perceived,” she said.

She encouraged women in sports to define success on their own terms. “At the end of the day, you don’t play for other people. You play for yourself. I don’t care how others choose to see me; what matters is how I see myself,” Sania asserted.

Echoing similar sentiments, Olympic medallist PV Sindhu stressed the emotional toll that public opinion and social media scrutiny can have on athletes. “If you start worrying about what others think, it can break you. That’s when mental health issues begin to creep in,” Sindhu said. “What truly matters is how you feel about yourself at the end of the day.”

Sindhu also pointed out the need for more support at the grassroots level. While she acknowledged the growing recognition of women in sports, she believes there’s still a long way to go, particularly in nurturing young talent.

“There’s definitely been progress. But more needs to be done, especially by sponsors and government bodies. The focus shouldn’t just be on elite athletes. Grassroots development is crucial,” she said.

Having won silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics and bronze in Tokyo 2021, Sindhu emphasised the importance of identifying and guiding young athletes early in their careers. “Support and mentorship at the grassroots level can help young girls stay on the right path. That kind of investment is vital for the future of women’s sports in India,” she said.