Why was Indian tennis star Sania Mirza not present as the chief guest at the Madhya Pradesh government's annual sports awards ceremony?
Apparently, Mirza was missing because the list of demands she made from the government could not be fulfilled, reports Indian Express.
Sania Mirza reportedly demanded a chartered plane to the venue, as well as a make-up-kit worth Rs 75,000 if she was to be the chief guest for the function. She also demanded five business class tickets for her assistants. The report does not state how much money Sania demanded as fees.
The demands were made by Sania's personal assistant.
MP Sports Minister Yashodhara Raje told Indian Express that she respected the tennis player but found her demands unacceptable.
"We pay for economy class air ticket, accommodation in a star hotel and local transport," a sports department official said to the newspaper, adding that Gopichand agreed for this and so did Saina Nehwal who attended the function in the past.
Eventually, the ceremony had to be pushed back from Saturday to Tuesday, and badminton coach Pullela Gopichand was instead asked to be chief guest.
Sania Mirza is yet to respond to the controversy.
1713883272.jpg&width=113&height=62&action=resize&quality=100)
