Tendulkar, who was the Goodwill Ambassador of the Indian team at the Olympics, handed over the keys at a function at the Gopichand Badminton Academy.
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The felicitation function was organised by the vice president of Telangana Badminton Association Chamundeshwari Nath, who honoured the silver star Sindhu by buying her the luxurious BMW auto.
Sachin took a selfie with the three women and Gopichand amid cheers by those present. The SUV X1 starts at Rs 30 lakh, while the luxury sedan 320d starts at upwards of Rs 37 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). “These girls will inspire more girls to take up sports in our country”, said Sachin Tendulkar speaking at a programme held at GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium at Gachibowli in Hyderabad on Sunday.
He was all praise for the medallists as well as Dipa and described Gopichand as the real hero.
Prime Minister Modi also remembered hockey legend Major Dhyanchand and said it was delightful to see Indians excited for the Olympic Games. Journey begins here, I am sure this doesn’t stop here, we all will be joining that journey and are there to support you. Gopichand thanked all the three athletes saying that they saved the nations pride at the Olympics. Their medals are nothing less than gold.
Winning just two medals in Rio was considered as a poor return, owing to the size and population of the country, which is more than 1.2 billion. “Last time we won a bronze we celebrated here.No we are here with silver”, he added.
He has so far gifted 15 cars to sportspersons to encourage them to achieve new heights in their respective sports.
Upon receiving the keys of her BMW auto, Sindhu was delighted the legendary Indian batsman had kept a promise he once made to her. “At that function also Sachin sir told me that I would definitely get another vehicle if I get an Olympic medal that happened today. Today, my dream has come true”.
“I went to Olympics all alone but now the whole Country is with me”.
While Sakshi won bronze at the Rio Olympics, Sindhu grabbed the cilver medal.
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Talking about her Olympic glory, she said, “It is great feeling to have won an Olympic medal”.
