Shoaib to Sania: You are symbol of hope and dreams

Pakistan all-rounder expresses his love for wife who just won India's highest sports honour

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik was all praise for his tennis ace wife, Sania Mirza, as she was awarded the Khel Ratna, the highest award for an Indian athlete.

“That fierce passion in those eyes have been there forever. You are a symbol of hope and dreams, for billions and me,” Malik said, as he took to Twitter to congratulate his wife on her achievement.

That fierce passion in those eyes have been there forever. You are a symbol of hope & dreams, for billions and me ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kod2ZnsOx8

— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) August 29, 2015

Mirza, was presented with the India’s highest sporting honour,  the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, on Saturday. Sania is only the second tennis star in India to receive the award after Leander Paes.

Read: Honoured to receive Khel Ratna, not thinking of Olympics yet: Sania Mirza

Earlier, Shoaib had said that Sania’s hard work, dedication and success as a professional athlete has motivated him to raise his game to another level and enabled him to make a successful comeback.

Malik said Sania’s presence on tours is welcome as she is someone with whom he can discuss cricket comfortably.

“At times you are not able to talk and share your thoughts or feelings with someone in the team and I am lucky to have Sania. She gives me that required cushion where I can discuss things with her at a sportsman’s level and get good advice,” said Malik.

Read: Honoured to receive Khel Ratna, not thinking of Olympics yet: Sania Mirza

“I know how hard she has worked for her success and it has also driven me to do the same in cricket. That is why I was able to make a successful comeback to the Pakistan team which makes me very happy now,” he said.

Other than chatting with his wife about the game, it turned out that the couple also liked to liven up the mood now and again when they released their dubsmash video while Shoaib was still on tour in Sri Lanka.

When bae comes to watch you play....Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hoi Hai

With lots of love from @MirzaSania & I from Colombo pic.twitter.com/JreRtoxPDv

— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) July 20, 2015