It is indeed unfortunate that India is still not the country conducive enough for a rising young sports star. I am talking about our rising tennis sensation Sania Mirza. At a press conference yesterday, the 21-year old announced her decision to opt out of next month’s WTA Bangalore Open. She also said that she has decided not to play in India this year, owing to never ending controversies from religious extremists. Sania said,

I am not playing in Bangalore Open. I have been advised by my manager not to play because a lot has been happening in the past few months…Every time I have played in India, there has been some kind of problem. So we just thought it was better not to play this time… It (withdrawing from the Bangalore Open) is not an extreme reaction. The controversies have been going on for a long time. It is not easy to deal with such stuff…

Just before the Australian Open last month, she was in a controversy when pictures showed her bare feet resting near the Indian flag. After this the current world no. 29 had even thought of quitting the game for ever. Such continuous rows and protests against her attire, ad campaigns and style sense indeed have dissuaded her to stay focussed in the career and eventually, this has hampered her game. She has always been distracted from tennis on account of these extremist statements challenging her faith and patriotism. Her mixed doubles partner, Mahesh Bhupathi was quoted saying,

She has really been pained by all that has happened in the last few months. It is really unfortunate. We want that she should have the right frame of mind when playing in tournaments.

It is indeed a shame for people of India, to witness such a terrible and nonsensical religious uprising, every time she steps on the tennis court wearing mini skirt or sleeveless top. When will these people grow up? When will they realize that she is playing for India? People should be concerned about how she plays the game and not about the length of her skirt! I mean I find these extremist opinions even in this generation so ridiculous. The management of such popular sporting events cannot stitch clothes depending on the player’s religion. It is regrettable that the first ever female tennis player from India, who has won numerous accolades for her country on account of her tennis talent, has backed out from playing in India. I doubt, whether this decision will have any sensible impact on the unlimited demands of the ultra-nationalists.

Source: TheAge

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