Operation Sindoor: Why is Sania Mirza’s post on women officers being widely discussed?

Former Indian tennis player Sania Mirza shared a message on social media applauding the presence of two women officers at the official briefing on India's Operation Sindoor. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh had flanked Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during the Wednesday morning briefing on the Indian Army and Air Force’s joint strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Mirza reposted a story originally shared by journalist Faye D’Souza, which described the image as a powerful representation of India's identity as a nation. The post highlighted the visual symbolism of women from different faiths representing the armed forces on a national platform.

Cyberattacks follow Mirza’s message of support

According to several online portals, Mirza is now facing cyberattacks following her reposting. Her social media post — interpreted by many as a celebratory nod to India’s military action — has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Pakistani netizens.

Netizens accused her of being insensitive, with some referencing reports of civilian casualties in the aftermath of the strikes. One user questioned how a mother could celebrate an operation allegedly linked to the death of a child, while others said her post echoed the behaviour of countries accused of war crimes. Comments expressed dismay that someone once seen as a symbol of women’s empowerment would support what they perceived as military aggression.

Public attention heightened by personal history

Mirza, widely considered one of India’s greatest tennis players with six Grand Slam titles, has long been a figure of cross-border interest owing to her marriage to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik in 2010.

She confirmed their divorce in early 2024 after years of speculation, following Malik’s second marriage to actress Sana Javed.

Mirza’s personal and professional legacy, intertwined with both Indian and Pakistani spheres, appears to have amplified the public response to her post.