New Delhi
Sania Mirza has issued an inspiring message to India’s women’s tennis team ahead of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I event, calling on the players to represent the country with “greatest pride” and full commitment.
India will host the prestigious tournament at the DLTA Stadium in New Delhi from April 7 to 11, with six nations competing in a round-robin format for a place in the play-offs later this year. Often regarded as the World Cup of women’s tennis, the competition offers a crucial pathway for teams aiming to break into the elite World Group.
In a video message shared ahead of the tournament, Mirza — a trailblazer in Indian tennis and a multiple Grand Slam winner — encouraged the squad to give their best on the court. “It’s the greatest honour to represent our country. Give your 100 per cent and bring it home. We’re all rooting for you,” she said.
The Indian contingent features a mix of experience and emerging talent, including Ankita Raina, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaishnavi Adkar, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Rutuja Bhosale, and Vaidehee Chaudhari.
India heads into the tournament with confidence, having delivered strong performances in last year’s Asia/Oceania Group I ties. The team secured notable 2-1 victories over multiple opponents, showcasing resilience and depth.
This year, the competition includes teams from Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand, and Thailand. With only the top two teams advancing to the play-offs in November, the stakes are high for all participants.
For India, the objective is clear — finish in the top two and move a step closer to re-entering the World Group for the third time. Playing at home is expected to provide a significant boost, with familiar conditions and crowd support working in their favour.
As the tournament approaches, Mirza’s rallying call serves as both motivation and reminder of the honour of national representation, with the team aiming to translate belief into results on the court.
