Women`s prize money increased on Sania`s suggestion

New Delhi: The prize purse for women winners at the Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship was increased and brought at par with the men on Sania Mirza`s suggestion here on Saturday.

The winner`s prize money for men was Rs. 1,50,000 while for women was Rs. 1,00,000. However, Sania Mirza, chief guest on the occasion, pointed this out to All India Tennis Association president Anil Khanna when the finals of the singles matches were going on at the R.K. Khanna Tennis Complex. "Sania brought this to my notice today asking where is there a difference in the prize money between men and women when several international tournaments have the same prize money for both. We immediately decided to increase the prize money and bring parity," said Khanna during the presentation ceremony of the tournament. "From now on we will see to it that all national tournaments have the same prize money for both categories." Sania thanked Khanna for accepting her suggestion. "I thank Mr. Khanna for accepting my suggestion so quickly," said Sania. Prerna Bhambri and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan won the women`s and men`s titles. IANS