PM Narendra Modi pens heartfelt letter to Sania Mirza after tennis star's retirement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a heartfelt letter to Sania Mirza after the tennis star's retirement.

Mirza on January 7 announced that she would retire from tennis. She played her last Grand Slam at the Australian Open and last competitive tournament at the Dubai Tennis Championship. Mirza, along with Rohan Bopanna, reached the final of the Australian Open mixed doubles.

The 36-year-old Mirza shared the letter from the Prime Minister and thanked him for his "kind and inspiring words". She added that she will continue to make the country proud.

"I would like to thank you Honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji for such kind and inspiring words .I have always taken great pride in representing our country to the best of my ability and will continue to do whatever I can to make India proud . Thank you for your support," tweeted Mirza.

Mirza was named mentor of the Royal Challengers Bangalore for the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League. The winner of six Grand Slams and 43 WTA titles said that RCB's philosophy resonated with her vision.

"It is a pleasure for me to join the RCB women’s team as a mentor. Indian women’s cricket has seen a tectonic shift with the Women’s Premier League, and I am really looking forward to being a part of this revolutionary pitch. RCB and its brand philosophy perfectly resonates with my vision and outlook as that’s how I have approached my playing career and it’s also how I see contributing to sports post my retirement," said Mirza in a statement.

"RCB has been a popular team and much followed team in the IPL over the years. I am immensely happy to see them building a team for the Women’s Premier League as it will push the women’s sports to new heights in the country, open new doors to women cricketers and help make sports the first career choice for young girls and young parents with a girl child."