On their return from Rio Olympics at Shamshabad Airport here this morning., silver medalist Poosala Venkata Sindhu and her coach Pullela Gopichand were given grand reception by the State Government. They were felicitated for Sindhu’s victory that created records at the international arena. Youth, schoolchildren and officials brought them in a bedecked vehicle to International stadium at Gachchibowli. Sindhu and Gopichand were flanked by Minister P Mahender Reddy and others.
Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatraya, Deputy Chief Minister Mohd Mahamood Ali, Home Minister Nayani Narasimha Reddy, IT Minister K Tarakarama Rao, Transport Minister Mahender Reddy, Cinematography Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav, AP Ministers China Rajappa, Devineni Umamaheswhara Rao, MP Kesineni Nani, Sindhu’s parents, GHMC Mayor Bonthu Rammohan, Commissioner Janardhan Reddy and others welcomed her at the airport. They were felicitated at Gachchi Bowli Stadiam later.
Speaking on the occasion, Nayani showered praises on Sindhu for bringing laurels to the nation in general and Telangana State in particular. Chie Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao announced Rs 5 crore cash award for Sindhu and Rs one crore to Gopichand for the achievement. Narsimha Reddy and Mahender Reddy asked the youth to emulate Sindhu to participate in such events and bring name to the State.
Curiously, several leaders, including ministers, MPs, legislators and others were seen standing in queue to greet Sindhu on the occasion. (NSS)