Sania Mirza receives threat

16 September, 2005

An Islamic group Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Hind has warned that it will try to prevent Sania Mirza from playing in the WTA Sunfeast Open commencing on 19 September 2005, if she did not wear "proper clothes". "What she wears offends Islam. She will be stopped from playing if she doesn't adhere to it," said Siddiqullah Chowdhry, the group's chief.

Security has been increased for the Indian tennis sensation following the threat. "We are keeping everything in mind and not taking any chances. We are making special and strong security arrangements", said Gautam Chakraborty, additional police commissioner of Kolkata, which will be hosting the Sunfeast Open.

Sania Mirza had earlier refused to get drawn into the controversy by declining to comment on her on-court dress.