I’m a brand ambassador for Hyderabad since many years: Sania

Hyderabad, July 25 : Setting aside the controversy over her appointment as the brand ambassador of Telangana Stte, Tennis star Sania Mirza on Friday said that she has been representing Hyderabad, Telangana and most importantly India since many years.

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of an event, Sania said described her appointment as a matter of great honour. “I am very humbled,” she said adding that she had been representing the State in many ways. “I think I have been doing it for many years and I hope to continue to doing it,” she said.

She refused to elaborate on the controversy over her appointment. It may be mentioned that BJP floor leader Dr K Laxman had objected to her appointment on the grounds that she was born in Mumbai and got married to a Pakistani cricketer. Earlier, Sania had announced that she would remain an Indian till her death.

When asked for reaction on a latest tweet by badminton star Saina Nehwal wherein she complained that sportspersons were not treated very well by the government (referring to the previous Andhra Pradesh regime) , Sania said, “No. I think…I can’t say that they are not treated very well. I spoke to KTR (Telangana Information Technology Minister K Taraka Rama Rao) this morning and he said that he has already replied to that.”

Sania Mirza said that unfortunately she was not in a position to reply to Saina Nehwal. However, she hoped that the badminton star gets what she deserves as she has done so much for the country and the State. “I am sure, with CM (K Chandrasekhar Rao) like ours, we are moving forward and I am sure he will take it forward,” she said.    INN