Calcutta, Sept. 20: There is no controversy over Sania Mirza?s skirts. Period.

Muslim leaders today came out in support of the teen sensation from Hyderabad.

?We are proud of what Sania Mirza has achieved in her career so far. She has brought recognition to the country, especially in women?s tennis, which was neglected so far. Not a single reputed religious leader anywhere in the country has issued any fatwa against her. Islamic laws state that women should be properly dressed, but not a single progressive leader (has) ever thought of issuing any fatwa against her for turning up in skirts or shorts in court,? said Maulana Syed Nizamuddin, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board general secretary from Delhi.

This is the first time that national leaders from her community tried to scotch debate over the propriety of Sania?s sports gear, which made news as she broke into the Top 100 of the women?s circuit with her breathtaking ground strokes and outrageous winners.

?People who are making such comments do not have any locus standi,? said Ahmed Hasan Imran, the general secretary of the Muslim Council of Bengal, which represents several minority organisations in the state.

Muslim leaders in Bengal had a meeting yesterday and decided that Sania should be left alone. ?It is not possible to play international tennis dressed in long skirts,? Hasan Imran added.

After a meeting this evening, Muslim religious leaders came out with unanimous support for Sania. ?Her parents have inculcated religious beliefs in her,? said Maulana Nizamuddin.

?Why single out Sania for not adhering to Islamic customs. After all, she has brought glory to our country and community. Why are we forgetting the clothes Hindi filmstars or those in the fashion industry wear?? asked the Maulana.