Sania Mirza’s decision not to play in the Bangalore WTA event has brought strong reactions from all corners of the sporting world. The following are some views:• Akhtar Ali (Former Davis Cup coach): “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.“Stars can influence youngsters more than even parents. She has also influenced hundreds of youngsters in the country to take up the game in a big way.“She is young. In this age one loves to wear whatever dress one likes. She can’t go anywhere. I’ve been told that She had to go to a party in Hyderabad wearing a burqa.”• Enrico Piperno (Coach): “It is her personal decision. We have to respect it. The pressure of controversies became too much for her. Then there was the media also. I hope she reconsiders her decision. Her game is a treat to watch. In this respect Indian tennis buffs will lose out.” • Vijay Amritraj (Former India captain): “I am dumbstruck. She is the best not just in India but in the whole of Asia. In my time, to play in India was such a big thing• Mahesh Bhupathi (India Davis Cup and ATP player): “It is not a permanent decision. It is only for this year that she will not play in India. She has really been pained by all that has happened in the last few months. It is really unfortunate. We want that she should have the right frame of mind when playing in tournaments.
