This is a major milestone in my career, says Prarthana

Emerging tennis star Prarthana Thombare will partner her idol Sania in the women’s doubles at the Rio Olympics this August. An achievement which was backed by her consistency in women’s doubles having won 10 ITF titles in the 15 finals she entered besides her recent maiden WTA doubles title.

“This (the Olympics selection) is a major milestone in my career. As a kid, I had always dreamt of representing India at the Olympics and to play Grand Slams,” Prarthana informed The Hindu from France where she is now playing a tournament. “And partnering my idol Sania herself, is a dream come true,” she commented.

The 22-year-old Prarthana joined the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy (SMTA) last year having moved over from Pune to pursue her tennis career. “I must say all the credit goes to my parents, Imran Mirza uncle and Sania who have put up tremendous efforts to notch up my game to the next level,” Prarthana pointed out. “It is because of them, I am a totally different and confident player and emerged a strong contender for the Olympics berth which again I deem is a life-time opportunity,” she remarked.

Not surprisingly, the young talent from the SMTA is all excited at the prospect of being there in Olympics. “Well, it is the kind of event which every sportsperson dreams about. And, I am blessed to be there this year and it could not have been better,” Prarthana said.

Prarthana’s father, Gulab Rao, too is immensely pleased with this news. “What more a father can ask for than seeing her child playing for the country in Olympics.

All the sacrifices and efforts we have been making are finally paying off and we (parents) must thank the Mirzas for their wonderful support,” he remarked.

Imran Mirza may turn out to be a strong contender for the prestigious Dronacharya Award given for the best coach by the Government of India.

Given that the articulate coach has not only produced India’s greatest women’s tennis player ever, Sania Mirza, but also an Olympian – Prarthana Thombare.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V.V.Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – June 15th, 2016