Sunday, September 18 2005 15:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kolkata: With gun-toting commandos on constant vigil, a massive security blanket has been thrown around Indian tennis talent Sania Mirza, now in the city to play the US $1.70 lakh WTA Sunfeast Open beginning tomorrow (Sept 19, 2005).

The tight security cover is in view of objections raised by some Muslim clerics for her dress while on court.

From plainclothes detective department personnel to IPS officers, a posse of cops have been deployed at the hotel as also the tournament venue, Netaji Indoor stadium, to ensure foolproof security for the 18-year-old.

"We are not taking any chances. The commandos will be there with her whenever she ventures out of her hotel room," said a senior police officer.

Netaji Indoor Stadium has been turned into a fortress with strong police presence and installation of door-frame metal detectors at all the gates.

Everybody from media persons to the organisers were being frisked before being allowed to enter the stadium. The same level of security has been provided at the hotel also.

With some Muslim clerics raising objection to Sania's dress on the court, the World no 34 player did a large part of her practice routine yesterday (Sept 17, 2005) away from the lensmen's eyes.

Photojournalists and electronic media personnel who had gathered in strength to capture her training on camera were asked by security men to leave the scene, ten minutes after Sania had hit the court.

There was a strong security presence at her press conference. Even media persons were asked to stay put at the press conference room for a short while after Sania had left.

Sania avoided answering any question on the matter of security. "Please stick to questions on tennis," she firmly told a questioner.