Sania Mirza's decision not to play in India came in for sharp criticism from stalwart Leander Paes, who said nobody is greater than the game and playing in front of own fans is the greatest joy for any athlete.
- Sympathy and salvos for Sania
Paes, an eight-time Grand Slam winner and India's current Davis Cup captain, said controversies are part and parcel of a sportsperson's life and one has to learn to tackle it.
"Look at every celebrity; who does not have controversies? We all have adversities. Every celebrity has adversities in their lives. It's how dignified and honest you are. It's about how you project yourself and how you handle them," Paes said, reacting to Sania's decision to pull out of the Bangalore Open to avoid being dragged into fresh controversies.
Paes, who has an estranged relationship with Mahesh Bhupathi, whose Globosport company manages Sania, said no individual is greater than the game.
"I do not want to get into it. I am not bothered, but the greatest joy for any athlete is to play for the country and in the country and play for the people.
- 'Leander plays above his ability'
"Nobody is greater than the game. That's something Sania has to be careful about it," Paes told reporters, after a practice session of the Davis Cup team at the National Sports Club of India in New Delhi.
Former Davis Cup captain Naresh Kumar also criticised Sania's decision to pull out, terming it as a "juvenile and immature" one.
"It is a sad decision. It is an immature and juvenile decision. It is going to affect her game more and get her more controversies. We cannot get a player like Sania.
"They are saying that she will not play in the country for some time. But won't there be controversies when she plays again?" Naresh asked.
Bhupathi, who is part of the Davis Cup team for the tie against Uzbekistan, from Friday, showed up for the practice session in the morning but did not comment on the matter.
More from rediff