Hyderabad: Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan today hailed Olympic silver medallist P V Sindhu as a role model for future generations.
Sindhu, who arrived with her family members at the Raj Bhavan here along with her coach P Gopichand, was accorded a warm reception by the Governor and his wife, who accompanied them to the Darbar Hall, a release from Raj Bhavan said.
Showering praises on Sindhu and Gopichand, the Governor told the selective gathering that the four powers — mother, father, guru and the Almighty — helped her take the country to greater heights.
“You have become a role model for future generations. The country today feels proud of you,” he told Sindhu and added that sheer dedication and commitment helped her reach this position.
The Governor also quoted English poet Robert Frost’s lines — “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but you have many miles to go before you sleep” — and wished that the Sindhu-Gopichand duo should bring more laurels to the country.
Narasimhan said he watched the final match on TV as well as the rousing reception given to her this morning. “I was sitting before the TV set watching till the press meet got over,” he said.
Responding to the felicitations, Sindhu, in her speech, said it was her dream come true. Displaying the silver medal that she had won, she credited her victory to the Almighty. “It is all because of the God’s grace,” she said and thanked her coach.
The Governor presented a memento to both Sindhu and Gopichand and Kidambi Srikanth, who accompanied them. The Governor also presented a cheque of Rs two lakh to Gopichand for developing an academy.
Gopichand thanked the Governor for the help he had extended at a time when he was setting up an academy and recalled that the Governor had graced the inaugural function of the academy.
“I am grateful to you for the confidence that you have reposed in me and the support you have given,” Gopichand said.