HYDERABAD: It was a memorable day for Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday as three sportspersons — J. J. Shobha (athletics), Sania Mirza (tennis) and Anil Krishnan (rowing) — figured in the list of names for the prestigious Arjuna award.

It is yet another significant landmark in the tennis sensation Sania Mirza's career. The 18-year-old Hyderabadi was named as one of the recipients of Arjuna award for her remarkable performance at the highest level. "It is a great honour to get this award. I will continue to give of my best and live up to the expectations," was Sania's reaction from the United States when she heard the news. Incidentally, even Sania's mother Naseema had not spoken to her daughter since she was asleep and taking rest before the next big event commencing in the wee hours of Thursday (IST).

"I did not want to disturb her as she was asleep and sent her an SMS. She too has conveyed her thanks to her fans and well-wishers in India," Sania's mother Naseema told The Hindu .

How does the mother feel about the award? "Definitely, it is a great feeling. Getting into the exclusive club at such a young age is in itself a big achievement. The award should be a big morale-booster ahead of the US Open," Naseema said. Sania's father Imran is accompanying her in the US. Younger sister Anam too is delighted. "It is big news to me," she said. The young shooter who herself is dreaming of getting such awards in future. There is no doubting that the Mirzas were delighted at the way Sania has been in the news for all good reasons after the hardships they had faced in the formative stages of her career.

On the other hand, champion athlete Shobha was not really surprised. "I have been expecting this since it was in the media that my name was recommended by the Federation," she said from Patiala where she is attending the preparatory camp for Commonwealth and Asian Games.

"I dedicate this to the efforts of the AAFI for their continued support and to my parents Jagadishappa and Jayashree," she said. How significant is this award? "After the injury in the Athens Olympics, I was really down. Gradually I am regaining my full fitness. And the Arjuna award could not have come at an more appropriate time," she said. "My next target is to win a gold in the Commonwealth and the Asian Games," said the South Central Railway employee who hails from Hubli and is now settled in Hyderabad.

For Anil Krishnan, who picked up six international medals including the Islamabad SAF Games gold and silver, it was a great moment too. And the announcement came as a huge relief to him after he was forced to pull out of the Indian squad for the World Championship in Japan.

"He had to skip because of an injury and we are keen to protect him for the Asian Games," said C.P.S. Deo, senior RFI official who incidentally groomed Krishnan for the last four years.

Krishnan of EME, who picked up a bronze in the 2002 Busan Asian Games besides two silver medals in the last Asian Championship, was delighted to be amongst the elite Arjuna awards list.

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