I don't look back in anger, says Sania Mirza

HYDERABAD: Not too long back, images of a teary-eyed Sania Mirza flashed through all TV channels. The tennis ace had broken down after her nationality was questioned by a minister post her appointment as the brand ambassador of Telangana.
Today, she has put all that behind her and is ready to head for the Asian Games. The decision actually came as a surprise as Sania had earlier said that she would not be playing in the Asian Games.
"Yes, it was my decision to not play in the Asian Games. But I wasn't happy about it. So, I thought over it and decided that I should play. I know I am sacrificing 900 points, but sometimes you have to take a decision. Also, people wanted me to play," explains the tennis ace.
Sania only recently returned home with a Grand Slam title, and is in great form, but ask her if she is prepared for the Asian Games, and she says, "We have to give our best. And that's what I will do."
While Sania has had a change of plans, Leander Paes, Rohan Bopanna and Somdev Devvarman have pulled out of the Games. "To each his own. Every person has the right to take decisions and it's only fair. Mine is an individual choice and so is theirs," she says.
But does being the only consistent female tennis player in the international circuit put pressure on her, we ask.
"No, not at all. There was no pressure on me to play. If you want to know about pressure of being the only female tennis player from India, well, I can only say that I don't remember the last time I played under pressure. I play for the love of tennis and if I am the only female player from India, well, I got to perform." As conversation veers to other topics, we ask Sania about her meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
"I received a letter of invitation and was honoured to meet them. I was glad when they congratulated me on my US Open win on Twitter. It was a nice gesture. This is the first time I met them and they were very welcoming and supportive. They told me that I make India proud and that they are extremely proud of me."
But despite all the laurels she brings home, Sania's 'Indianness' is still questioned, because she is married to a Pakistani cricketer. "Honestly, I have put all that behind. It happened, it hurt me, I spoke about it, and said I am an Indian and will always remain one. Beyond that, I don't keep things in heart. I don't see a point in doing that."
But how does it feel to have the last laugh, by bringing home a Grand Slam and making India proud, after having being compelled to explain her 'nationality'?
"Overall, people have been supportive. I don't look at my victory as having the last laugh. I am a player and my job is to try my best and win. Also, I'm not the kind of person to hold grudges against anyone. I don't look back in anger, because I don't think it helps. I like to move on. I don't like to surround myself with negativities. I am a positive person."
Meanwhile, the State government has rewarded Sania with another cheque of Rs 1 crore for her recent win. "The Rs 1 crore that the CM gave me prior to the US Open helped a lot in preparing for the tournament. I am grateful that he has again applauded my achievements. Not just me, the CM also heard Suryavamsi Hemalatha's (2002 Asian Games gold medallist in power weight lifting) story and moved by it, offered to help her. He is passionate about sports and extremely supportive." And what about the criticism she gets for 'receiving more money'.
"They (people who criticize her) don't know that tennis is an expensive sport! It is okay. Not everybody knows that," she says.
However, what many don't know is that Sania donated Rs 5 lakh from her cash reward to Shaikh Jafreen, an upcoming and promising tennis player, who is deaf and mute.
Speaking about Jafreen, Sania says, "She is an amazing player and trains at my academy. There are separate tournaments for people with disability and Jafreen is ranked No. 1 in the category. She needed financial help and I just did a little for her."