India is set to field its largest-ever contingent in the history of the Summer Olympics for the upcoming quadrennial sporting extravaganza at Rio from August 5, with a major part of the squad consisting of women. Nowadays, women athletes apart from adding medals to their cabinet also shoulder the responsibility of gracing magazine covers, walking the ramp and attending several social events. While they sweat it out on the courts in their sports outfits, they are a picture of elegance off it. Fans not only admire their sports stars on the court but also try to follow the looks of their sporting icons, the way they carry themselves off the court too.
Talent is an absolute necessity to succeed in sport at any level, but being glamorous doesn’t hurt. Leading from the front, in the arena or off it, is reigning women’s doubles tennis World number one Sania Mirza. Joining the Hyderabadi in the glam parade heading to Rio are the likes of top singles shuttler Saina Nehwal, badminton doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa as well as shooting sensation Heena Sidhu. For long, Sania has been the poster girl for tennis. But the 29-year-old is picture perfect as she fulfills her social duties, carrying herself with grace and poise. Shouldering the responsibility of bringing home a medal, the glamorous sports star also heads into the sporting gala with the added pressure of representing the grace of the nation, which Indian women are known for.
Jwala Gutta (32) and Ashwini Ponnappa (26) Sport: Badminton (doubles) Achievement: Bronze at the 2016 Uber Cup, Gold at the 2016 South Asian Games, Bronze at 2014 Asian Games Current & Career High Ranking: No. 21 & No. 10 Chances at Rio: Semifinal and medal hopes look slim
Though “comfort” is the basic requirement for the star, the tennis ace turns out for events and social galas donning traditional suits, lehengas and anarkalis, of course, not to forget the stylish whole nine yards, which shows off her roots while helping her look sensational. Before heading to Rio, the Arjuna awardee recently released her autobiography Ace against Odds. Living up to her billing, India’s number one moved across several cities for her book release by Bollywood stars, and Sania looked like one herself as she donned flowing suits, flooring one and all.
Flaunting her evergreen smile and a nose stud, which has taken the place of her famous nose ring, Sania, married to cricketer Shoaib Malik, said at a recent fashion show that while style was important, comfort was on top of her list. “Comfort for me is the most important. I always say this. I actually don't know a lot about fashion, to be very honest. I have great stylists. Actually, my sister also helps me. I have a good team around me. For me the most important thing is to be comfortable and to look nice and presentable,” says Sania.
Sania Mirza | Age: 29 Sport: Tennis — women’s doubles with Prarthana Thombare and mixed doubles with Rohan Bopanna. Achievements: Won the women’s doubles at the Australian Open (2016), Wimbledon (2015), US Open (2015) Current & Career High Ranking: No. 1 Chances at Rio: Has a genuine shot at gold.
“I really don’t care about the new trends and that’s not my thing. It’s about just being cool and comfortable. My style statement is comfortable and easy,” said the sportswoman who earlier in the year topped the list of the Best Dressed Sportspersons, in a survey conducted on World Ethnic Day. Close on her heels and being voted the second best is India’s number one women’s shuttler Saina Nehwal. Saina like her tennis counterpart, dons traditional outfits which reflect the different colours of the country. But apart from the formal outings, the young shuttler opts for the comfort of kurtis along with denims.
Also featuring in the list of best dressed are doubles pair Jwala-Ashwini and Heena. While the aforemention two heavily rely on the traditional look, this pair has a bolder approach. The outspoken Jwala flaunts her looks in Western outfits, while the glamorous Ashwini sports a pixie cut which she carries off effortlessly. With these top women getting their act together for the Olympics, the tantalising mix of beauty and brains will be on show at Rio.
