Ankita Raina in 10 Lines: Facts About India's Women's Tennis Star
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Added: 18.01.2026 at 10:45
Summary:
Discover key facts about Ankita Raina, India's women's tennis star, and learn about her journey, achievements, and impact on Indian sports today. 🎾
10 Lines on Ankita Raina: A Comprehensive Study of India’s Women’s Tennis Star
---In recent years, the landscape of Indian sports has seen a remarkable transformation, with women emerging as frontrunners in numerous fields. Names like P.V. Sindhu, Mary Kom, and Sania Mirza have become synonymous with inspiration for millions. Carrying forward this vibrant spirit is Ankita Raina, a trailblazer in Indian women’s tennis. From quiet beginnings in the valleys of Kashmir to representing India globally, Ankita’s journey captures the dreams and hopes of aspiring athletes across the country. This essay delves into Ankita Raina’s life, accomplishments, challenges, and her wider impact on Indian society as a beacon for women in sports.
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Early Life and Background
Ankita Raina was born in 1993 into a Kashmiri Pandit family originally hailing from Pulwama, Kashmir—an area steeped in history, yet often troubled by turbulence. Her family later moved to Ahmedabad, Gujarat, for better prospects. Growing up amidst the challenges of displacement, Ankita inherited a strong sense of resilience, a trait common among many Kashmiri Pandits who have had to adapt to new environments.Her early education took place in Ahmedabad, and unlike many children pressured to excel only academically, Ankita’s family supported her passion for sports from a young age. With both parents valuing all-round development, Ankita found herself introduced to tennis at the age of five—a rather uncommon sport for girls in her social circles. Despite the high demands of tennis, she managed to balance her studies and later completed her graduation in Commerce from the Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce, Pune. This ability to maintain harmony between academics and athletics would become a defining feature of her character.
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Tennis Career Development
Ankita’s foray into competitive tennis started early, fueled by her perseverance and the relentless support of her mother, who accompanied her through training sessions and tournaments. By 2009, she had made her professional debut at an International Tennis Federation (ITF) event—her first taste of senior-level challenges. Transitioning from junior contests to more competitive senior circuits required both physical rigour and mental fortitude, both of which Ankita cultivated with relentless discipline.On-court, she is known for her right-handed style and counterpunching ability, relying not just on raw power but also on her agility, tactical intelligence, and consistent groundstrokes. Her coach, Hemant Bendrey, has been an instrumental figure, helping her fine-tune her skills and instilling a belief that Indian women too can brave the global stage in tennis. Rigorous routines, hours of practice, and learning from each match, win or lose, became second nature for Ankita—and these habits set her apart from many contemporaries in the country.
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Achievements and Milestones
Ankita Raina’s career is studded with milestones that inspire aspiring tennis players. In 2012, she clinched her first ITF singles title in New Delhi, a symbolic breakthrough for Indian women in a sport still dominated by men and foreign players at the national level. Over the years, she steadily added more laurels: as of now, she boasts several singles and doubles titles on the ITF circuit. Her partnership in doubles, in particular, has seen her lift the trophy multiple times at both national and international tournaments.In 2018, Ankita became the fourth Indian woman to break into the top 200 of the global WTA singles rankings, following the footsteps of tennis stalwarts like Nirupama Sanjeev and Sania Mirza. A key highlight was her victory over a top 100 player at the Kunming Open in China (2019), a testament to her grit and evolving prowess.
On the continental stage, Ankita bagged a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, representing not just herself but the ambitions of India’s sporting community. At the 2016 South Asian Games, she clinched gold in both women’s singles and mixed doubles, proving her mettle as a versatile athlete. Recognising her talent, institutions like the Sports Authority of Gujarat have extended sponsorships, and support from corporates like ONGC has provided her with a stable base to focus on sports. Furthermore, her inclusion in the Government of India’s TARGET Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) reflects the growing acknowledgment of her potential.
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Inspirations and Role Models
Even heroes look up to someone, and for Ankita, international tennis legends such as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have left a deep imprint on her style—instilling values of humility, relentless practice, and mental strength. On the Indian front, Sania Mirza’s meteoric rise provided tangible proof that an Indian woman could break international barriers in tennis. The likes of Serena Williams also serve as global examples for Ankita, especially in defying stereotypes and sustaining excellence against the odds.Among her personal high points, Ankita cherishes the memory of meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2013. For a young athlete, this recognition was a morale booster, affirming her place among the country’s promising talents. Such encouragement not only lifted her spirits but also deepened her resolve to make India proud.
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Challenges Faced and Overcome
Ankita Raina’s journey is not just a narrative of triumphs but also of relentless struggle against numerous odds. Indian society, despite progressing, still harbours reservations about women pursuing sports as a profession. Ankita, like many others, dealt with subtle discouragements—social clichés that sports is “not for girls,” or that academic pursuits are primary. Yet, with the steadfast backing of her family, she negotiated these expectations while keeping her tennis dreams alive.Financial constraints and lack of world-class tennis infrastructure in India presented their unique hurdles. Sponsorships were hard to come by, making international travel and coaching an expensive affair. Nevertheless, with every win, Ankita proved her mettle, gradually attracting support and proving that systematic development and government schemes are essential for nurturing sports talent in India.
Injuries and mental fatigue are common adversaries for any athlete. Ankita’s path has witnessed injuries and tough losses, but her ability to bounce back—learning from setbacks and focusing on preparation—underscores why she remains one of India’s most resolute sportswomen.
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Ankita Raina’s Impact on Indian Tennis and Society
Ankita’s success has rippled far beyond the tennis court, sparking a wave of interest among young Indian girls to explore non-traditional careers, especially in sports. She educates society by example, challenging dated notions about what women can achieve. Through outreach, media appearances, and participation in tournaments across India, Ankita is encouraging youngsters from all backgrounds—including those outside the metropolitan cities—to take up tennis.Performing on international platforms, she has become a symbol of India’s growing presence in global women’s tennis. Her work also extends beyond achievement; Ankita exemplifies virtues of discipline, persistence, and humility. As more girls pick racquets inspired by her journey, she is subtly shaping Indian sports policy and fostering an environment that is more supportive of women athletes.
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Future Prospects and Goals
Looking ahead, Ankita Raina dreams of representing India at the highest stages—the Olympics and Grand Slam tournaments. The road is challenging, but Ankita has shown that with determination, nothing is insurmountable. She is now focusing on consistent performances in Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) events.After her professional career, Ankita has expressed the desire to guide upcoming talents, possibly through coaching or mentoring. Using her experience, she hopes to contribute to better tennis infrastructure and nurture future champions, especially girls from underprivileged backgrounds.
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