The annual budget of Andhra Pradesh for the ensuing financial year showered praise on Hyderabad-born Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza for her glorious achievement at WTA Hyderabad Open recently.

Finance Minister K Rosaiah, in his budget speech, said, "Ms Sania Mirza, who hails from our state, has made AP proud by winning the Hyderabad Open. She has crossed a new milestone in tennis by winning a WTA trophy and, in fact, has become the first Indian woman to achieve this glory. I am sure this august house would join me in congratulating Ms Sania Mirza and placing this glorious achievement on record."

Rosaiah added: "The achievements under sorts are remarkable during 2004-05, wherein a total of 249 medals (101 gold, 79 silver and 69 bronze) were won by our sportsmen/women in the events held in various sports disciplines at national and international level."

He pointed out that the state has given away Rs 33.20 lakh as cash awards to various meritorious sportspersons in their respective sports disciplines during the year.

"In 2004, three Arjuna Awards were given to our sportspersons, which is a record in itself, thus bringing glory to our state in the arena of sports," he noted.

The Finance Minister said the budgetary allocation for sport is being enhanced to Rs 38.85 crore in the ensuing financial year from Rs 26.21 crore in the current year.