Sania Mirza recommended for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award: Unseen pics of tennis queen

Here she is! A very young Sania Mirza receiving an award. There were early signs of stardom.

Another one down the memory lane. This looks like some tennis award, for sure. Read the board behind the suited gentleman.

Sania Mirza was into tennis at a very early age, and on Tuesday she was recommended for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. Up Next: Unseen pictures of the tennis queen

Sania Mirza has been India's leading tennis lady ever since she turned pro in 2003. (Source: Express Archive)

Sania has brought India plenty of accolades over the years. Apart from her success on the professional circuit, Sania has won as many as six gold medals for India. (Source: Express Archive)

The 28-year-old has remained in the news for all the reasons. Be it be her marriage with Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik or attacks by religious groups on her playing attire. (Source: Express Archive)

Very boldly has the ace tennis player tackled all kinds of volleys thrown at her. Saina is the highest ranked women's tennis player from India and there is no one from the country even close to her. (Source: Express Archive)

Right from her early days, Sania was the buzz of town due to her off-court appearances and interesting interviews. She just doesn't mince any words. (Source: Express Archive)

Over the years, Sania had to play with a different Indian partners in the mixed-doubles category. She has played with Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna to name a few. (Source: Express Archive)

Right from her early days, Sania was most sought after by the media. (Source: Express File)

Sania had to battle injuries in the middle of her career when a troubling wrist affected her game. Many criticised her decision to give up singles, but she has ruled the doubles court ever since then. The World No.1 ranking being the latest high. (Source: Express Archive)

Standing on the podium with the tri-colour wrapped around is the biggest high for any sportsperson, and Sania remains no exception. (Source: Express Archive)