My international career took off after National Games in 2002: Sania Mirza

Sania Mirza has no doubt that the National Games had given her international career a major boost. "I was just 16 years old when I took part in the Games in 2002. I did well and came into the limelight.

It proved to be the perfect impetus for my international career," Sania said.The trendsetting and path-breaking Hyderabadi went on to win six Grand Slam titles in a glittering career. But before that, she had played plenty of tennis in India, starting nearly two decades back. From the junior nationals in Delhi to the National Games and then the WTA tournaments in Hyderabad.

Her journey has been an inspiration to almost every player, including Gujarat's Ankita Raina. The Super Mom is excited that the Games are being held in Gujarat after a gap of seven years. "Here is wishing the organisers all success and the competitors the very best of luck in achieving their aspirations," she said.

She has one simple message for all the competitors and not just tennis players. "This is the perfect platform to test yourself and, then, embark on the international stage," she added. She pointed out that the National Games were unique, being a fusion of seasoned players, who have already scaled several peaks in the international arena, and rising stars.