Time to move on: Sania

Hyderabad: Tennis star Sania on Friday said that she had enough of the ‘outsider’ tag since getting appointed as the Brand Ambassador for Telangana as it was time to get down to brass-tacks and concentrate on her game. In her view, the controversy was a closed chapter.

She also spoke on behalf of city-mate Saina Nehwal, who tweeted her anguish on not getting the promised Rs 50 lakh for her efforts.

Speaking here on the sidelines of a business engagement, she reiterated that she was humbled by the offer and proud to be representing the State across the globe.

Sania Mirza pointed out that she has been representing the undivided Andhra Pradesh and the country for several years now, which she will continue to do all through her career.

Not dwelling much into the controversy that was raked by BJP Legislator, K Laxman and his controversial Pakistan daughter-in-law jibe, the world number five doubles player said it was an issue that was done and over with as far as she was concerned.

Sania pointed out that Nehwal deserved every honour and every reward that came along. She said she had already spoken to the Telangana State’s IT Minister K T Rama Rao, who agreed to look into the issue favourably.

She lamented that tennis was not part of the ongoing Commonwealth Games at Glasgow, particularly after her good showing in New Delhi 2010.

The player said there was an overwhelming improvement in Indian sports, which suddenly appeared vibrant, thanks to world champions like Sushil Kumar and Gagan Narang.

All these are positive indicators that Indian sport has touched a new peak, which could only get better.