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Mirza shrugs off threats from militants

India's teenage star Sania Mirza yesterday shrugged off a threat from an Islamic militant organization about her on-court outfits.

Shortly before a WTA event in Kolkata last month, the Jamat-e-Ulema group in Hyderabad issued a statement warning her to stop wearing short skirts and sleeveless shirts saying it was an affront to Islam.

Kolkata police had to provide extra security for Mirza to ensure nothing untoward happened during the US$170,000 tennis tournament.

"Yes, there was a group who are opposed to it," said Mirza yesterday after winning her first-round singles and doubles matches at the Japan Open, her first senior tournament in the country.

"But you just have to do what you have to do. I'm there to play tennis. I don't think I need to focus upon anything else that's happening around me," the 18-year-old star said.

Last year, Mirza became the first woman from India to capture a WTA Tour title, winning the doubles on home turf at Hyderabad.

She became the first Indian woman to reach the third round in her grand slam debut at the Australian Open in January this year and posted her first singles title, again at Hyderabad, the following month.
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