Royal Challengers Bangalore announced that Sania Mirza will be joining the team as the Mentor of the RCB Women’s team for the inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL 2023).
A legend of tennis and a trailblazer for women who aspire to take up sports in the country, Sania Mirza is a true inspiration. On her appointment as the Team mentor, Sania Mirza revealed how the move fits into her personality and vision going forward.
“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,” she said.
Rajesh Menon, the Head and Vice President of Royal Challengers Bangalore also provided some insight into the appointment and what Sania brings to the table.
“We are glad and honoured to welcome Sania Mirza as mentor of the RCB women’s team,” said Menon.
“She is the perfect role model with her success stemming out of her sheer hard work, passion, and determination, despite many challenges in her playing career. Sania is someone our young generation looks up to and she can motivate, encourage our team as she herself has been an uber competitive player who understands how to overcome challenges and handle pressure at various situations at the highest level of sports. Her stature and gravitas as well as her attitude will inspire and bring the much needed panache to transform the team with a Bold Personality,” he added.
The recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for her contribution to Indian sports including the prestigious Padma Bhushan, Arjuna Award and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Sania Mirza expressed her delight at RCB’s initiative towards growing Women’s cricket in India.
“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,” she said.
In a storied career that spanned two decades at the highest level, Sania Mirza 6 grand slams and 43 WTA titles. A top professional who understands the pressure and expectations that come with playing sports at a high level, Sania Mirza will help RCB Women’s team with the right guidance and support.
WPL 2023 is set to be played in Mumbai from March 4, 2023 to March 26, 2023. A total of 22 matches will be played with the Brabourne Stadium & DY Patil Stadium playing hosts to the marquee tournament.