After her exploits in the Asian Hopman Cup, Sania Mirza, bubbling with confidence is ready to spearhead India's challenge at the 15th Asian Games in Doha. The Indian star arrived in the city on Thursday morning along with teammates Rohan Bopanna, Shikha Uberoi and Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi.
Doubles stalwarts Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi were missing from the contingent and are expected to join the team later.
Sania and Paes were supposed to team up before the Asian Games in the mixed doubles at the Asian Hopman Cup but Paes' injury forced Bopanna to take the berth. The two made a clean sweep at the event, beating Chinese Taipei 3-0 in the final.
"Me and Rohan played well and got some good match practice before the Games and we are aiming at winning as many medals as possible. That's our goal," said the Indian star, who is currently ranked 66 in the World.
"It's great to be back here in Qatar and I know that playing here is exactly like home away from home," said Sania, who was escorted out of the terminal along with her mother.
Sania had skipped the last WTA tour in Qatar soon after the Dubai Open, due to injuries, leaving the large population of the Indian fans and the organisers disappointed. However, this time round, the fans will get to see the best from the Indian heart throb.
"Injuries are a part of a player's career and so I couldn't help it. But now I am back and Asian Games is a huge stage for me to perform. I am keen to do well here. The last I had played here was three years ago. So I am looking forward to a great week of tennis," said Sania, who will be leading India's challenge in the mix doubles pairing with Paes.
While Sania hogged the limelight, the US-born Shikha Uberoi waited patiently but the excitement was writ wide on her face as the scribes turned their attention towards her.
"She (Sania) will always be in front, I have to get used to it," said Shikha.
As far as the medals go, Shikha is confident that she can win three medals.
"I have finally got my tri-colour. You can see, I am wearing the India jacket and that's a great feeling. I am confident of winning three medals in the single, double and mix doubles. I cannot wait to get started as I have been working very hard to get to this point," she beamed.
Shikha will be teaming up with Bhupathi and there is a possibility that both the Indian mixed doubles pair will clash in the final.
"Playing with Mahesh will be a different experience. I have never played with him and he has won 10 Grand Slams. It will definitely be a great experience playing besides him. I have a lot to learn from him and hopefully we can come out with flying colours," said Shikha.
Bopanna too was confident of putting up a good show after his fine display in the Hopman Cup.
"It was good preparation before the Asian Games and I am very much ready for the challenge. There will be good competition out here, it won't be easy," said Bopanna.
With a star-studded Indian line-up in Doha, the tennis fans will have a lot to cheer about.
More from rediff