Playing Asian Games was right decision, says Sania Mirza

Indian tennis player Sania Mirza, who recently won gold and bronze medals at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, has aid that it was a right decision to play in them, though she added that she had even contemplated skipping it.

An elated Mirza said, "It was a right decision to play at Asian Games, as was planning to skip it."

"I am proud to win the medals for the country as it was beyond anyone's expectations," she added.

Mirza had partnered with Saketh Myneni to beat China's Hsien Yin Peng and Hao Ching Chan and win gold in doubles tournament at 17th Asiad. The tennis star won bronze in women's doubles with Prarthana Thombare.

"Every time I win for the country it is special. I said that before going that the expectations were not very high because we were not going with our best team. One person cannot win you a match because it's a team event. But every one supported each other very well and it feels great to come back with a gold and a bronze, it feels great to come back with two medals and it was my fourth Asian Games, so it feels great to come back with eight medals," said Mirza.

"Every time that flag goes up its special. I think it was the right decision to go there and the medal has made it good," she added.

Mirza, who has earlier partnered compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi to mixed titles at the 2012 French and 2009 Australian Open, was elated to clinch medals and said she was in best of her form.

"I have been able to peak at the right time. Every time is the right time but to peak at the Asian Games feels good," said Mirza.

India finished eighth in the medal tally with a total of 57 meddals - 11 golds, 10 silvers and 36 bronze. In 2010, India had won 65 medals.

The 17th Asian Games came to a close on Saturday, bringing an end to two weeks of intense competition, drama and controversy that shone a light on the best and worst of a region that will host the world's biggest events for the next decade.