Five days, and a grand homecoming later, it was Sindhu’s turn to return the compliments as she used the same platform to thank all those who supported her during the campaign.
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Although she has an Olympic medal to her credit at the age of 21, Pullela Gopichand believes PV Sindhu is “far from a complete transformation” and may take time.
The state government has made elaborate arrangements for a rousing reception in honour of the star shuttler, who became the first Indian to win a silver medal at Olympics.
Twitter users came down like a tonne of bricks on Ali over his insensitive remarks which came across as a snide way to pitch Telangana against Andhra Pradesh.
Telangana Ministers Nayani Narasimha Reddy, Mahender Reddy and Srinivas Yadav and senior Congress leader V. Hanumanth Rao, Andhra Pradesh Ministers Devineni Uma, Chinarajappa were among those who welcomed Sindhu.
Andhra Pradesh has also announced Rs 3 crore cash, land and a job for Sindhu.
Before going to Olympics I just believed in myself and gave my 100 per cent in every match, she said. However, after etching her name in the Indian history an elated coach said, “I had deprived her from having sweet curd which she likes most”.
He also tweeted – ” Tried my hand at badminton against Sindhu, silver medallist at Rio Olympics 2016 [sic]”. “I feel Gopi sir is the best coach”.
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During a press conference on Thursday, Sindhu felt that no person could fill the shoes of Gopichand. The Telangana CM announced Rs 1 crore for Gopichand so that he can produce more world class players at his badminton academy in Hyderabad. “It’s only because of them I got to where I am”, Sindhu added. Both governments have also offered her a Grade-1 government job. It is her perseverance and relentless quest for excellence coupled with deep dedication over several years that has united the country in euphoria. The most privileged part of my life was spent travelling with young badminton players and witnessing their passions have truly inspired me.
