Hyderabad, July 08: Basking in the glory of her maiden Grand Slam title, teen tennis star Sania Mirza arrived here to an emotional welcome as hundreds of her fans, schoolmates, wellwishers, family friends and sports officials greeted her at the Begumpet Airport today. Amidst full throated chanting of "Sania, Sania" by about 60 of her schoolmates, the Wimbledon girls doubles champion entered the arrival lounge to the delight of the waiting fans who greeted her with flowers and best wishes.

The homecoming of the champion hogged the limelight with a battery of camera crew clicking away every movement of Sania who leisurely posed for the impromptu photo session along with her family members, friends and sponsors.

While some jostled for space and surged ahead to get a closer look, others were fighting tears. Some were simply elated to be there at the moment to greet "sweet Sania".
Sania was received by her father Imran Mirza, state sports authority officials, representatives from sponsors GVK Group, hockey star Mukesh Kumar and others.

The 16-year-old Sania paired with Alisa Kleybanova of Russia and defeated Katerina Bohmova of the Czech Republic and Michaela Krajicek of the Netherlands 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, in the final to create history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a Grand Slam event.
Sania was then taken in an open jeep to the Raj Bhavan where she was to call on Andhra Pradesh governor Surjeet Singh Barnala.

Later, she is likely to meet chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu at his residence and attend a programme hosted by her sponsors.
Bureau Report