Olympics: Sania Mirza

     My name is Sania Mirza.  I live in Hyderabad, India.  My home is the fourth most populated city in India.  I love where I live!  I was born November 15, 1986.  There are four people in my family: me, my mom, my dad, and my sister.  My mom, Nishi, is an IT worker, the most popular job in India.  My dad, Raj, is a pilot.  He is gone often, so my mom raised me and my sister Eka.  Eka is two years younger than me.  My whole family is really close.  Eka and I do everything together; she is like my best friend.  My family members are the ones that encourage me to stay an athlete and be in the Olympics.  I wouldn't be where I was today if it weren't for them.
     My religion, Hinduism, plays a big part in my life.  My belief in God has helped me prepare for the Olympics.  I believe that my past lives has cleaned all of my sins.  That is why I am so fortunate to be participating in this wonderful event.  I thank God for the great lives he has given me.
     When I was 8 years old and Eka was 6, we started to play tennis together for fun. Eka was never very good at it, but I had found my unknown talent. I loved playing tennis and I was very good at it. My parents encouraged me to join the tennis team at the school I went to. I had practiced tennis everynight when school was over. Eka would help me. It was a great bonding time for us. During high school, I was looked at for my skills. That is where I met my coach who started to train me.
     I had to go to the capital of India, New Delhi, to train for the Olympics.  It was tough to leave my family, but worth it.  I had a great coach, and she prepared me well.  This is the first time I am participating in the Olympics, so I am a little nervous.  I am ready to conquere the challenges that face me in these games.