Sania Mirza, one of India most popular tennis players not just made the headlines from her greats in the field but also made some through several controversies sprouting every now and then during her career. Here is a glimpse of tabloid controversies that encircled her fame.
1Fatwa Over Tennis Attire
Conservative religious groups also criticized Sania Mirza’s tennis outfits as “un-Islamic” because they are short and revealing. In 2005, she faced backlash after a Muslim cleric allegedly issued a ‘fatwa’ against her. Sania later said in her defence that she was unnecessarily dragged into undue pressure during her professional career.
2Marriage to Shoaib Malik
Her marriage with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik in 2010 was one of her biggest headlines. Given our political ambiance, this news raised quite a few eyebrows, and many began questioning her patriotism towards India. Telangana BJP leader K. Laxman, in 2014, described her as the “daughter-in-law of Pakistan”, fuelling an intense nationalism identity debate.
3Controversy over Telangana Brand Ambassador
When Sania was appointed the brand ambassador of Telangana, newly formed state in 2014, it had drawn flak from politicians who questioned her credentials based on the ground that she married a Pakistani national. Political furore notwithstanding, praise flowed for her contributions to Indian sports.
4Alleged disrespect of Indian flag
In 2008, Sania was accused of showing disrespect to the Indian flag at a public event when a photograph showed her feet allegedly directed towards the flag. The incident triggered a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in Gujarat under the Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act, but Sania later explained it was not intentional.
5Breakup with Sohrab Mirza
Sania was previously engaged to family friend Sohrab Mirza, before she married Shoiab Malik. But Sania cancelled the engagement in 2010 on grounds of “incompatibility”. The split – which was happening under the media’s microscope at that time – was just one more mark on her controversy tally.
6AITA and Olympic Mixed Doubles Row
Sania was also in a controversy with the All India Tennis Association (AITA) ahead of London Olympics 2012. She dismissed the organisation’s claim and called it a “bait” used to commercialise Leander Paes as she was made to partner with him in mixed doubles instead of her desired choice (for partner)Mahesh Bhupathi. The challenges of Indian sports politics were laid bare during this public fallout.
7Sania Mizra was heavily trolled when she was pregnant
Sania too faced controversies even when she was pregnant. Some conservative voices took to criticizing her for a maternity photoshoot, claiming it wasn’t “a thing” culturally. Sania, however, stood her ground against all the people criticising her and stayed unapologetic about choosing a certain life while continuing to inspire women all over with physical prowess.
8Sania Mirza was criticised for prioritising doubles over singles
Sania was among the top doubles players in the world but was panned for prioritising doubles over singles. She was accused of having “opted out” too quickly on singles. Sania, though, explained she went back to her doubles game due to the nagging injuries that troubled her during marriage.
9Sania also faced cyber bullying, Social Media Trolls
Sania, being a well-known sports personality herself has faced many social media trolls. Cyberbullying has become her daily bread – with criticism of her marriage posed as a question about patriotism, and comments on body image that would raise eyebrows in mainstream media. Social media for Sania has been a safe haven to talk about these aspects and she has always emphasised the real issue of mental health as well as self-respect.
