Tennis sensation Sania Mirza’s decision not to play in India came in for sharp criticism from stalwart Leander Paes, who said nobody was greater than the game and playing in front of own fans was the greatest joy for any athlete.

Paes, India’s Davis Cup captain, said controversies were part and parcel of a sportsperson’s life and one has to learn to tackle it.

“Look at every celebrity, who does not have controversies. We all have adversities. Every celebrity has adversities in (his or her) life. Its how dignified and honest you are. It’s about how you project yourself and how you handle them,” Paes said, reacting to Sania’s decision to pull out of the Bangalore Open to avoid being dragged into fresh controversies.

Paes, who has an estranged relationship with Mahesh Bhupathi, whose Globosport company manages Sania’s career, said that no individual was greater than the game.

“I do not want to get into it. I am not bothered but the greatest joy for any athlete is to play for the country and in the country and play for the people. Nobody is greater than the game. That’s something Sania has to be careful about,” Paes told reporters after a practice session.

Former Davis Cup captain Naresh Kumar also criticised Sania’s decision to pull out, terming it as “juvenile and immature” one. “It is a sad decision. It is an immature and juvenile decision. It is going to affect her game more and get her more controversies. We cannot get a player like Sania.”

“They are saying that she will not play in the country for some time. But won’t there be controversies when she plays again,” Naresh said.

Former Indian player Vijay Amritraj also expressed shock at such an extreme step taken by the Hyderabad girl.
“I am dumbstruck. She is the best not just in India but in the whole Asia. In my time, to play in India was such a big thing,” he said.

Former Davis Cup captain Akhtar Ali sympathised with the way Sania was being treated and described her decision as “unfortunate” for the sport in the country. “It is a sad day for Indian sports. It is very unfortunate. She is not well. She did not have a good time at the Australian Open. And on top of that she is being made the subject of controversies every now and then. Some people are repeatedly hassling her. This is all sheer politics,” Ali said.

Ali said Sania had helped the sport in the country in a big way but in return she was getting such troubles.