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Sania Mirza can never claim to be lonely. Controversy is her constant companion, even when she does not court it. The outrage and furore, catalysed by eager news media engines, has left a bitter taste in the immediate aftermath of her appointment as the brand ambassador of Telengana. While some of the rhetoric surrounding Mirza’s appointment has been downright bigoted, the polity too could have easily avoided an entirely unnecessary controversy by showing some restraint.
Just 24 hours after celebrating her elevation as an ambassador for the new state of Telengana, Sania finds herself right in the middle of some vitriolic political crossfire. Triggered by some rather disappointing notes from K Laxman, an elected representative from Telengana, the tennis player was forced to come out and defend her honour.
Shooting from behind the shoulder
The episode raises some uncomfortable questions that need to be answered for the good of our sport and the polity. The growth in sport has led to an increasing settlement of politicians into its management at various levels. While that in itself may not be a problem, the dichotomy of the men and women at the helm of sport is a serious concern.
The polity of our nation has clearly used sport to suit its convenience. The current standoff between leaders espousing two distinct opinions typifies the painful divide. On a day when opinion was polarised down the middle, there has been a flurry of verbal arsenal darting from all sides.
Even as the Congress and BJP indulged in a game of one-upmanship by taking cover behind Sania, the tennis player has been forced to jump in the fray and defend her dignity. That said, while the city has long celebrated the success and achievements of Mirza, she has been a polarising figure throughout her chequered career.
Lack of process in selection of candidates
The state government should also shoulder some of the responsibility for the sad turn of events. The public discourse in recent weeks has been dominated by pressing concerns around education, power and determination of nativity. Under these circumstances, it would perhaps have been better for the government to hold off the event for later in the year.
The situation was only exacerbated by the crass exhibition of a cheque for Rs. 10,000,000 that was presented to Sania Mirza as part of the deal. However, there has been little information on her role and commitment in return for the largesse from the state.
The government also spent precious little time in discussing the idea or potential candidates. And if they did, it is uncertain who was aware of these parleys. Some murmurs have emerged about why a thorough gentleman like VVS Laxman was not considered for the role.
Considering his statesman-like nature and blemish-less background, some quarters have felt that he may have been a far more dignified choice. The offhanded manner in which the chief minister met and designated Sania felt like a unilateral decision without due process, leading to consternation.
Sania gives everyone an indignant history lesson
The unnecessary furore has caused Sania to take exception to the comments and reactions from sections of the polity and public. She is right to feel indignant at repeated jibes related to her loyalty and commitment to the nation.
The Arjuna awardee has won several medals for the country, besides enjoying sporadic success on the women’s tour in both singles and doubles. It is obviously painful for a sportsperson to have to defend her undying affection for India.
Sania’s clarifications on Thursday have also enabled the public of this country to learn of her antecedents and their lengthy association with the erstwhile Nizam administration that governed the Deccan region.
Honour over reward – will Sania make the difficult choice?
The controversy provides Sania an opportunity to add sheen to the heritage of her ancestors by choosing to take the high ground. It appears that the payment is as much a reason for the controversy as is her selection.
Sania might wish to consider returning the money to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund or donate the money to the cause of the state in another manner to underline that this transaction is not about money. She could put this controversy to bed if she chooses to embrace the honour and surrender the reward.
In stating her desire to promote the new state and eschew money, the tennis player could earn respect and lasting glory.
It remains to be seen if Sania can find the courage to embrace honour over reward, but the behaviour and tenor of our polity has been far from dignifying. The entire episode has left a lot to be desired – from the manner of the appointment and the scale of the grant to the vitriolic responses from ill informed politicians.
